Color, Texture, Pattern, Shine and LEGS!: Outfit of the Day 22/01/2012

Hey Readers,

Remember how I said that my latest adventure in exercise was already yielding results? I have a picture from Sunday with the proof- my legs! Check it out!

Ow ow!

I purchased a new pair of tights on clearance at Macy's on Saturday and, while I was enthusiastic about their texture, I was nervous about how they would look. Sometimes textured tights are not as flattering as I hope they will be. Especially sheer textured tights. 

The diagonal stripes (almost like corduroys!) worked to my advantage, especially with this outfit. They showed off the tone of my legs and added just a bit more interest to an almost monochromatic outfit narrative. Going with the theme of texture, I added another neutral color with a charcoal snakeskin print as well as a grey beaded belt.

Diagonal stripes and snakeskin print- bold neutrals!

I really like how this outfit came together, as well as the progress I am already seeing in my cardio initiatives. Healthy, stylish me- here I come!

Color, Texture, Pattern, Shine: A combo Stacy and Clinton would be proud of!

Retail Details:

Beige Embroidered Pearl-Trim Sweater- Banana Republic
Tan Lingering Rays Skirt- Anthropologie
Enchanting Eyes Beaded Belt- Anthropologie
Navy Blue Diagonal Stripe Tights- Hue (via Macy's)
Charcoal Snakeskin Print Pumps- Cole Haan (via Nordstrom Rack)

Thanks for reading!

A Cloudy Monday... A Vibrant Orange Dress!

Hello Readers,

Wow! Today's earlier post has been a hit! I've never had so many people read my blog in a single day- and the day isn't even over yet! Thank you Readers!

Look at that! Those are my statistics so far today!

I realize that I haven't been as faithful in my outfit of the day posts as I have been in the past, but I am back on track!

Last Monday was exceptionally drab. Grey, rainy, and bleh. When I looked at the forecast that morning I thought "oh, what a Monday" but then an idea brightened my day and changed my perspective. I picked out my orange Whirligig Dress and raspberry tights and thought "The weather may be dreary but I'll put some color in this day."

And so I did.

The color combinations in this outfit are not at all my normal palette of colors, in an outfit or in general but lately I've been learning to embrace change. I felt slightly self-conscious in the ensemble, but the wealth of compliments I received throughout the day cleared away those feelings. I rocked in a dress in a color I've feared for so long!

What a fun Monday!

Retail Details:
Fuchsia Climate Control Cardigan: Anthropologie
Orange Whirligig Dress: Velvet from Anthropologie
Raspberry Opaque Tights: Hue
Bright Pink Flats: Jessica Simpson
Gold Necklace: gift
Green Sparkly Nail Polish: Zoya (from my November Birchbox)

Lingering Rays of Wednesday

Hello Readers!

Wednesdays can be difficult. Especially in the middle of a semester or quarter when there is still so much work ahead before the weekend. Wednesdays can also be wonderful, but this past Wednesday was less of the latter and more of the first type of Wednesday.

Even when I awoke this Wednesday, with my usual optimistic outlook, I had a feeling that the day ahead of me would be a long one. So. . . I decided to wear an outfit that would help to maintain or at least encourage my usual demeanor as a glass-half full sort of person. Hence, the reason for wearing my favorite top and one of my favorite skirts.

The day was rough, but I made it through and later that evening enjoyed a hilarious episode of Modern Family. Whew!

Here I am in the hallway that leads to my office.

Well- we've made it to Friday Readers! Enjoy the rest of your day and have a most splendid weekend!

Retail Details:
Pearl-Trio Bobby-Pin- Anthropologie (I haven't seen these online yet, but I bought them at my local store)
White and Gold Necklace- Vintage (Trifari)
Off-White Craft and Creation Tee- by Deletta from Anthropologie
Brown Cardigan: Abercrombie & Fitch
Burgundy and Gold Leather Belt- Vintage
Khaki Lingering Rays Skirt- Yoana Baraschi from Anthropologie
Greyish Brown Boots: Anne Klein

Outfit of The Day: Red Belt- Transitioning from Intention to Action

Hello Readers,

In the process of moving, unpacking, and then moving and unpacking again, I thought that I lost my camera's USB cable, but today I was reunited with the cable and finally I could upload one of my outfits from last week.  The picture is a bit dark, and the mess in the background is rather telling of the mess that was in my apartment.

Last week, I wore a dress every day that I was in the classroom, and Wednesday's outfit is the one I am most proud of- because I tried something different. I wore a RED belt. What?

Yes, I wore a red. Not only red- a red belt. This red suede belt was a gift from my mom, and I believe she wore it in the early 90s or late 80s? It's an item in my wardrobe that I intend to wear more than I actually do- but last Wednesday I turned intention into action and combined it with my Mompos Dress, a black cardigan from Zara, black opaque tights, and black leather heels from Banana Republic (not pictured above).

I think I may try to work this belt into my outfits more often in the future. . .

Retail Details:
Black Flowery Headband: J. Crew
Black Leather Bracelet: AG Jeans (a gift from the manager of the St. Louis store after my store review)
Blue and White Mompos Dress: Plenty by Tracy Reese from Anthropologie
Black Cardigan: Zara
Black Opaque Tights: Hue
Red Suede Belt: My Mom's Closet

Rainy Day Blues and Happy News

Hello Readers!

Good news!  I am moving on to the final stage of my comprehensive exams: the oral defense!  This means that I am even closer to graduating with an M.A. in Communication! Just a few more weeks left until I am FREE (well, sort of).

In a post last month I wore a wool dress and secretly hoped for another occasion to wear the dress, a day cool enough to permit a dress of this weight and warmth. Well, in the last week of April (today) I got my chance. I almost put the dress away for the fall, but with the unpredictability of the Midwest I trusted that the dress might get one more wear before the weather is supposed to be cool.

Department of Communication!

As you can see, I styled it a bit differently today and went with a palette of greys and blues.  It's amazing how much you can change the look of a piece of clothing with the right arrangement of accessories and layering. I also wore my BR trench coat for warmth and rain resistance, but forgot to take a picture with it on.

Retail Details:

Grey Wool Ruffled Suit: Nordstrom Rack
Navy and Black Windmill Bow: Anthropologie
Teal Tights: Hue (from Bergner's or Martin + Osa)
Charcoal Pumps: Cole Haan (purchased at Macy's)

Hope you all had a wonderful Wednesday!