Frumpy Skirt

Shirt - Macy's; Skirt - Steinmart; Shoes - Payless;

Necklace and Bracelet - Premiere

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This skirt hasn't been worn in 3 years because a) I couldn't zip it up and b) I thought it was too frumpy. While it's still not my favorite skirt, I found that if I added a funky hip top and fun shoes and accessorized it right, the frump could be minimized. It is a bit long, which I think makes me look a bit old, but overall a nice, clean, conservative with a bit of sass work outfit.

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And I did do my happy dance a bit when I zipped it up :-)

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Husby instituted a new rating system this morning. When I expressed my frustrations with statements like 'You look very Teal today' or 'You look like a teacher', we agreed that a better system would be a Thumb Rating. Thumbs up for good, down for bad, and sideways for indifference.

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Rating - One Thumb Sideways

Ladies and Gentlemen....

Shirt - Alfani (Macy's); Skirt - JC Penny; Vest - Motherhood Maternity;

Shoes - Old Navy; Necklaces - Premiere and JC Penny;

Floral Pin and Earrings - Steinmart

It wasn't until I got this photo from Husby that I realized I looked like the Ringmaster of an Evil Circus with the vest/skirt/stripey shirt/flower combo I had going on. Quickly removed the vest and hid it in my laptop bag :-)

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While this isn't a very colorful navy outfit, the interesting details of the items and accessories lend to a desirable alternative to the uber conservative navy of Monday. These shoes, especially, with what my daughter thinks are blueberries on the tops. I felt very feminine and a little edgy with my plaid pencil skirt and stripey shirt. Look at me mixing patterns!

Crystal Blue Persuasion

Pants and Tank - Steinmart; Cardi - TJ maxx; Necklace - Macy's; Bracelets and Earrings - Premiere; Floral Magnetic Pin - Steinmart; Shoes - Moda (Thrifted)
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Using the pumps from yesterday and a navy cardigan, day two of the Navy challenge turned out even better than expected. Despite Husby saying he didn't like my outfit. I loved it. Every part of it. And was so sad when I had to leave work after only 6 hours to go to school, cause this was the kind of outfit which could keep me going all day. Thanks Jessica of SS for the yellow-blue idea.

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.

Plum Love

Cardi - Max Edition (Steinmart); Shirt - Steinmart; Skirt - JC Penny;

Belt - TJ Maxx; Shoes - Madden (TJ Maxx);

Necklace and Bangle - Premiere; Earrings - Chicos

Ah the shoes are once again the story. These are, by far, my prettiest shoes. I love the ruffle. I love the plummy color. And I kinda love the fact that they can't decide whether they are a pump or a bootie or a peep toe. They are all in one. And surprisingly comfy, to boot.
Now, the cardi. Every other time that I have worn this shirt, I have paired it with purples and plums, since that is what you see from afar. Today I decided to be a bit different and pull out the forest green that is hidden in the paisley print. You have to look pretty close, but it's there.

I'm pretty happy with how this outfit turned out. I was freezing, though, since I was a bit under the weather on the inside and the weather had taken a bitter twist on the outside. Lucky for me, the green tights I ordered from We Love Colors arrived at lunch, so I put them on. They tied things together even more. YAY!!

Sweater Weather

Dress - thrifted; Leggings - Steinmart; Pumps - Stuart Weitzman (thrifted); Necklace - Express; Belt - JC Penny; Bangle - Old Navy; Earrings - Chicos

In the dim lighting of the bedroom, I swear these pumps were more blue. They matched exactly. Then, when I got to work, they were teal, and the dress was blue. My embarrassment didn't last long, cause I was freezing cold and wore a bulky gray long sweater over it the whole day. REALLY liked how that turned out, but didn't get a picture of it. I felt cute and spunky and funky and fun all day with the splashes of color. Love this dress and can't wait to figure out other weather-appropriate ways to wear it.

Protector of Sherwood Forest

Shirt, Belt and Vest - Steinmart; Pants - Macy's; Shoes - Jessica Simpson (thrifted); Earrinngs, Necklace and Bracelets - Premiere

You know that go-to shoe that is always comfy and makes you feel super fab? These are one of my two pairs. The other ones are silver and glittery all over. These babies are an awesome red plaid, with gold jinglies and a little red patent bow to match the trim. Got them for $4 at a thrift store and I couldn't figure out why they were not only thrifted, but clearance. Why would no one want these beautiful shoes? I finally figured it out.

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Despite Plato's Closets efforts to keep things organized, shoes never quite end up in the right places. While I am a size 9.5 - 10 (just call me Sasquatch) I look through all of the sizes until around 7, and I've found some gems put in the wrong places. I found these babies in the 8-9 section and despite saying 8.5, they looked awefully big so I tried them on and they fit. I can see how someone with size 8.5 feet would try these on and pass them by. Oh how I love manufacturer's defects that work in my favor!!

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I was very pleased with this color combo until I got to work and everyone was calling me Robin Hood. I'll still most likely try this combo again, just in a more feminine way. Oh, how I love being compared to a boy.

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. :-)

Massage Your Troubles Away

Cardi - Old Navy; Shirt, Pants & Belt - Steinmart; Shoes - Rampage (Macy's); Earrings - Premiere; Bracelets - Steinmart

A closeup of the belt shows the favorite part of this outfit. The details are awesome, with animal prints and various sheens on the little links, and it added just the funk I needed to a potentially boring red white and black combo. I was trying to dress for chair massages that were being given at our office as a fund raiser for the United Way, and was limited to something warm for the weather, but thin and pliable on top so that Wendy could get to my shoulders easily, but with pants so that I could straddle the bar of the massage chair and not show the world my wares. I was actually really happy with how this outfit turned out, despite being a last minute throw-together.

Penny for Your Thoughts

Cardi - Kohl's; Shirt, Skirt and Belt - JC Penny; Shoes - Madden (thrifted); Earrings - Steinmart; Necklace - Premiere

I'm in love with JC Penny. At least the bottom half of me is. Being a nearly plus sized woman, I struggle. And like with men, you can't find EVERYTHING in one store (although I came pretty close with Husby). For tops, my favorite shopping is Macy's Style & C0. line. It's almost like their clothes are specifically made for a woman with real curves and a smallish busom. For skirts, it's definitely JC Penny. The Worthington line is ideal for an apple shaped woman with long legs who is looking for the illusion of slim ensconced in class. Sometimes I miss the days when I was skinny and could shop in any store and find things that worked, but I love my style now more than I ever did then, so I think I love my compartmentalized shopping, too.
And I wanted to get a close up of these shoes. I've been looking for a while for a comfy, but stylish brown pump, and was so excited when I found these babies at Plato's Closet for $8. They have a slight platform and a snakeskin print with a sheen to them that makes them really unique. AND they are SUPER COMFY!!

Something Special in the Air

Blazer - Tommy Hilfiger (TJ Maxx); Shirt - Old Navy (thrifted);

Skirt - Old Navy; Tights - JC Penny; Belt - thrifted;

Shoes - Anne Klein (Steinmart); Bangles - Macy's

So I only added the blazer because it was 45 degrees outside when I left for work. And that's what made my husband say I looked like a stewardess. I also got museum docent from co-workers. This was an uber-conservative look, which I'll admit was not one of my favorites. But I love all of the pieces individually. And I like the gray-red combo, so I'll be revisiting that again soon.

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.

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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.

Tiny Bubbles

Cardi - Old Navy (thrifted); Blouse - Apt. 9 (thrifted); Skirt - JC Penny;

Boots - Macy's; Earrings, Necklace and Bracelet - Premiere

I have been waiting for months to pull these boots out from under the bed. Thank you, Mother Nature, for actually making fall feel fall-y. I'm not much of a pink person, but I couldn't pass up this blouse. The pattern, which I think looks like little bubbles, is the gorgeous mauvy color, with chocolate brown and tan and little crystal buttons and balloon sleeves, and I was in heaven. This sweater was also a great find. I had been looking for the perfect brown cardi for what seemed like forever when this elbow-sleeved, double button wrap sweater fell into my lap at a thrift store. I see this one being a fall staple for me, and I can finally retire the brown cardi with the sleeves that stretch out horribly that I've hated but couldn't part with because you have to have a brown cardi in your closet. I loved this outfit and got quite a few compliments, so I'd say this one is a winner.

Sheer Power

Cardi - Steinmart; Shirt - Old Navy (thrifted); Pants - Steinmart;

Pink Ballet Flats - Old Navy; Belt - Steinmart; Bracelet,

Earrings and Necklace - Premiere

I left the house feeling cute and so happy about how I styled this odd colored blouse which has been staring at me in my closet for months. It is so very sheer that you can see my bra, the tank I was wearing and the Kyonna body shaper that I wear for my back pain that I am embarrased to wear it without a sweater. The color is an odd purpley pink and it has gold pinstripe lines through it. I bought it because it was unique, but I haven't worn it because it was so unique I couldn't figure out what to wear with it. As I said, I was pretty happy about the outfit, but as the day wore on, my glee diminished. I blame it on the pants. They were a size 14 and I was able to zip them up no problems. Yay, I am now a 14. But they kept rolling down my belly, which was even more obvious with the super sheer shirt over them. I felt like a cow by the time I made it to school. I have a few pounds to go before I pull these pants out 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.

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.

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God, I felt boring today.

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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.

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

Pewter Suiter

Blazer - thrifted; Skirt and Belt - JC Penny; Shirt - Lane Bryant (thrifted); Shoes - Target; Necklace - Anne Klein (thrifted); Earrings - Steinmart; Bracelets - Premiere

Wow! That suit makes me look thin. Either that or it's the way I'm standing, but I like what I see. When I put on the jacket, I felt like my arms looked really beefy, but they aren't that bad. I was really apprehensive about the shirt/skirt/jewelry combination, too because the shirt is pewter and black up close, but when you look from far away, it's goldy looking. I think this looks great together. And I got quite a few compliments on my outfit today, from near strangers, so I think the world agrees with me. Why do my attempts at professional always end up looking like a 60's secretary? Damn that Zooey Deschanel!!

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And when I got dressed this morning, trying to find the perfect shoes to go with this unique shirt, I realized that I have 3 pairs of said shoes. The satin peep-toe flats in the picture were worn for the trek to and from work, while metallic pewter pumps (New York & Co - thrifted) were donned for the office. I LOVE MY SHOES!!

Purple Haze

Cardi - Old Navy; Shirt - NY & Co (thrifted); Skirt - JC Penny; Shoes - TJ Maxx;

Flower Pin - Steinmart; Belt - Steinmart; Necklace & Earrings - Premiere

I am in Love. With this pencil skirt. With my purple cardi. With floral pins attached to my cardi. This outfit more than makes up for the green debacle of last week. I felt and looked like a 10. I

I've also decided that Darkest Brown is my hair color for the future. And the bangs aren't so bad, if I properly side sweep them.

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.

Zarebras

Shirt - Romeo & Juliet Coutoure (via Steinmart); Vest - Motherhood Maternity;

Skirt - Old Navy; Shoes - Rampage (via Macy's);

Necklaces and Earrings - Premiere; Beaded Cuff - Sears

Yes, this vest is also maternity....but you wouldn't know if I didn't tell you. I was finding vests like these all over Plato's Closet when I was killing time before a chiropractor appointment. I never thought of wearing this short vest with my highwaisted skirt, or tucking in this drop-waisted zebra print top, but I needed to get inventive to fulfill my vest week needs. Also, I love how my top half is a little rocker, but my bottom half is conservative secretary, down to my classic piped peep toe pumps. To finish things off, I let my hair do it's own thing and neither straightened nor curled. The barely-there, non-uniform wave that I was left with after my second pregnancy is a little hard for me to just 'let go', but since all of Hollywood is going natural, I'm trying to give it a try. Plus, it takes a hell of a lot less time on days like this one when I slept in....

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Oh, and 'Zarebra' is what my daughter thought that horse-looking black and white striped zoo animal was until recently. I can't help but think of it and smile.