Wiggle Wiggle Wiggle Yeah!: Backtrack

Hello Readers,

Earlier this year I posted about my fitness aspirations for 2012. I am happy to announce that today I wiggled into a sheath dress that fit me before the second semester of graduate school (I still wore it a few times during second semester, but it was a bit snug).

After a January and a February of being more aware of the food I was feeding my body, swimming, and walking/ellipticalling I know that the me today (or at least when these photos were taken on February 22, 2011) is healthier than the me on December 31st, 2012. And my size 4 sheath dress is the proof.

Wiggle Wiggle Wiggle

Wiggle Wiggle

Yeah!

 Retail Detail:

Grey Cardigan: Banana Republic
Black Leather Belt: Banana Republic
White, Purple, and Lilac Sheath Dress: Ann Taylor
Dark Purple Cabled Tights: Anthropologie
Charcoal Leather Kitten Heels: Cole Haan
White Headband: J. Crew

Backtrack: Sentimentality

Hello Readers!

This week is my Spring Break! So far, it has been the epitome of relaxation. Going to my home church and then meeting with family on Sunday, meeting with my cousin (and friend!) Katie at my favorite coffee shop, and then catching up with a friend over dinner at delightful cafe. And today, sleeping in, writing a blog post- and then who knows! The world is my oyster.

This break is the perfect time for me to catch up with you all on this blog. I can't remember when the outfit from this particular post was taken, but I enjoyed the outfit so much that I wanted to make sure that it made its way onto this blog. Nothing spectacular, but very everyday and very comfortable. These pieces also hold sentimental value.

I look like sort of like a former A&F employee with those colors... oh wait, I am.

 The cardigan, with the ruffled detail, is a piece I purchased in the summer of 2009. I'm pretty sure I bought it at the St. Louis Galleria's J. Crew store the night before my first day of grad school orientation. And, in the 80+ degree weather, I wore this cardigan. This time, the weather was more appropriate.

I am thinking about across the forehead bangs. This was an exaggerated attempt with overgrown swoop bangs. 

The abstract grey and white patterned v-neck top is from an Ann Taylor Outlet store. I purchased it last spring while driving back to St. Louis from a conference in Milwaukee with my friend and fellow grad student Deanne. It was a piece I fell in love with instantly, and I was delighted to find it in a size that fit and flattered. 

I really like how the textures and colors of this outfit came together. The print of my blouse makes these neutrals a bit more interesting

Do you see that dainty gold and pearl necklace? This was a gift from parents to my late grandmother (my Dad's mom) and I inherited it while I was a student at the college where I currently teach. Of all the pieces of this outfit, this is one dearest to my heart. Every time I wear it I think about my memories of her and the lessons I learned from her life. She was an amazing woman!

Sentimentality and outfits seem to go hand in hand... for better or worse! I think I'll count this outfit as a "better" occasion. What do you think?

Retail Details:
Navy Cardigan with Ruffles: J. Crew
Abstract White and Grey Top: Ann Taylor Outlet
Grey Lace-Trim Tank: American Eagle Outfitters
Light Grey Chinos: Abercrombie and Fitch
Necklace: Gift
Light Brown Boots (not pictured): Ann Klein

Career Fair!

Greetings Readers!

Today I attended a career fair on campus. Another reminder that graduate school is nearly over and the time to start a job is drawing near. Very near.

Equipped with a resume full of experiences, a smile on my face, fancy business cards and confidence in my heart- this morning I had everything I needed to impress prospective employers except for the perfect outfit.

Here is what I came up with:

I was going to wear the pants that matched my jacket, thus completing the suit, but I decided, instead, to mix things up a bit. I think my outfit was appropriate for the occasion, but I'm not sure if my personality came through as much as I hoped it would. But, how much of your personality or style should you display at a career fair?

Whether or not this outfit had a great personality, I did stay true to some of my favorite colors to wear: pastel pink, grey, and navy blue.

Anyways, the career fair went pretty well, and I feel good about the contacts I made. Overall, a wonderful Wednesday!

Retail Details:

Navy Blue Pinstripe Suit Jacket: J. Crew

Light Pink Button Down Shirt: Banana Republic, featured here

White Lace Trim Tank: Gilly Hicks

Charcoal Patent-Leather Belt: Ann Taylor

Dark Grey Pencil Skirt: Banana Republic

Grey Tights: Macy's

Charcoal Pumps: Cole Haan

Loveliness on Valentine's Day

Hello Readers!

I hope you all had a wonderful Valentine's Day! My Valentine's Day was great! Yes, I am single, and yes I used to wear black on Valentine's Day- but this year I embraced my situation and gained a new appreciation for the abundance of love in my life. Love from God, love from my family, love from my friends- I am surrounded by love!

I've never had a real Valentine on Valentine's Day, and the occasion made me feel a bit left out of the festivities and honestly, a bit bitter. Hence the reason for donning black. I thought that by doing this, I was making a statement, rebelling against a commercialized representation of love. (Wow- I guess I was more bitter than I thought I was back then). Anyways, this year I thought "what's so bad about celebrating love?"

And so, that brings us to yesterday. I did not wear any black on Valentine's day. Instead, I wore an outfit that makes me feel lovely. Not just in an external way (although I love how the clothing looks), but also in more internal ways. The stories connected to each of these items are artifacts that remind me of the love in my life. Let me break it down:

My dress: This was my big Christmas gift last year from my parents. It was a dress out of my budget that I fell in love with when I tried it on as a whim. I don't know why (perhaps it was the stress of finals), but when I tried this dress on, I saw myself in a new way. Something about wearing this dress helped me see my potentials and made me feel beautiful. It's still difficult to articulate what this dress does to me- but after I tried it on I called my parents to tell them about this dress. I irrationally wanted this dress, and asked for it for Christmas. Every time I wear this dress, I feel the same things that I felt the first time I tried it on, and I am thankful for the way my parents understand me in ways that no one else ever has. Whether it means supporting my dreams, calling out bad decisions, or listening- my parents have always been there for me.

My cardigan: I used to work at Abercrombie & Fitch. In fact, it was my first job after college. When I accepted the job, I was flattered to be asked to work there (perhaps, an indulgence of my vanities and/or insecurities), but I thought it was a bit silly to work there for- oh, maybe the first two weeks. While working there, I was able to meet a variety of people. Maybe it's because I wear glasses, or perhaps it's because I'm a good listener- but during my time at A&F I heard a lot of people's stories. Coworker's stories, customer's stories- you name it. I don't work at A&F anymore, but I still shop there occasionally for two reasons (1) because their long sleeve tops are long enough for my arms and (2) because I like to remember the stories I heard while working at that store.

My tights: these are from Anthropologie. As you may recall from previous posts, this is my favorite store. I love how interactive the website is (customer reviews), I love the community of bloggers who gather around this store, and I love how so many different people with differing styles use their clothing, shoes, and accessories to tell their stories. Also, after a stressful week, a visit to this store always brings me a sense of peace and calm.

Yesterday was wonderful and I sincerely enjoyed celebrating the love that surrounds me. Before I go, I want to thank my friend Megan (the Queen of Scarves) for being my photog yesterday! I had so much fun on this photo shoot- thanks Meg-o!

*Also- Don't forget to enter my giveaway for the Vane & Joya solid perfume brooch!

Retail Details:

Off-White Lace Dress: Plenty by Tracy Reese (purchased at Anthropologie, "Spinning Lace Dress)

Grey Jeweled Cardigan: Abercrombie & Fitch

Charcoal Patent Leather Belt: Ann Taylor

Aubergine Cable Tights: Anthropologie

Charcoal Pumps: Cole Haan

Locket: American Eagle Outfitters

Thanksgiving: A Time for Family, and a Time for Fashion!

Greetings Readers!

I hope that everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving! Did anyone travel for the holiday? I traveled home to Peoria on Monday afternoon and have been home ever since- reading, napping, and catching up with friends and family.

Ten years ago my family moved from Vancouver, BC to the Peoria area- a move that was difficult, but a move with outcomes that I appreciate greatly. One of the outcomes of this move, which I am very thankful for, is the opportunity to build relationships with family members who I used to see only once every three or four years. Now that I live in St. Louis, I only get to see them once or twice a month- but the time that I spend with them is very dear to me. And that is why I like holidays like Thanksgiving- because I get to spend time (quality time) with family.

Here I am with my cousins Liz and Kim at my grandparents' house

My cousin Matt, my cousin Liz, my Aunt Shelly, my Aunt Mary, me, and my Grandma

While fashion isn't an essential concern for family gatherings (well, with a few exceptions), or even for Thanksgiving, I like to put together outfits for occasions such as these. Not because I have to, not because I am supposed to- but because I like the mood and the anticipation that dressing up creates. Do you know what I mean? A cute outfit is like foreshadowing- it's like saying "hey- something important is about to happen"- and what could be more important than spending time with loved ones?

People who make us feel a bit crazy at times:

And people who bring balance to our lives:

This Thanksgiving, and every day of the year, I am thankful for the precious and powerful relationships I have with people in my life. People who continue to teach me about love, about grace, about laughter, and yes- even about fashion.

Here are the retail details:

White Rhinestone Headband: J. Crew

Necklace: Juicy Couture (on Market St. in San Francisco)

Light Blue Tee: Banana Republic

Winter White Cardigan: Abercrombie & Fitch (I recommend hand-washing this cardi)

Charcoal Skinny Belt: Ann Taylor

Navy Blue Draped Skirt: Anthropologie

Raspberry Tights: Hue

Brownish-Olivey Jeweled Flats: Via Spiga