Plummy: Developing Style

Elephant About My Waist

2011-02-25T12:32:00.001-08:00

This dress is so much shorter than I remember it to be! At least with dark, opaque tights I can keep some modesty...

I love this new elephant belt I found at the Goodwill. I had a new hole punched in the leather so it fits me better, which my local shoe cobbler does for free.

Belt: Goodwill
Cardigan: Banana Republic via Goodwill
Dress: Pour La Frime via Goodwill
Tights: Target
Shoes: France

Noise-Filled Dusk

2011-02-25T12:28:00.000-08:00

I apologize for the poor quality photos, I was only able to snap them in the evening! I enjoyed how French I looked today, though. :)

Shirt: Banana Republic Wool Sweater via Goodwill
Skirt: Self-made
Boots: Steve Madden
Tights: Hue via Plato's Closet
Beret: Goodwill
Belt: Chico's via Goodwill

Wooly Winter Wears

2011-02-22T22:57:00.000-08:00

I have recently found some fantastic items at the Goodwill--I have been on the lookout for more items of quality fabrics and among my finds are: this black cardigan, wool and so warm!, a navy blue wool sweater, a wool beret, a leather and metal belt as well as a denim jacket (the seams are finished with pink binding and I'm a sucker for pretty insides of clothing). New episodes of Four Ways to Wear coming soon (I have been out of town on a snow camping expedition, which has been fantastic fun but very tiring!).

Sweater dress: Rhapsody via Ross
Skirt: H&M via Plato's Closet
Cardigan: Banana Republic via Goodwill
Tights: J. Crew via Ross
Shoes: Naturalizer via Goodwill

Winter Uniform

2011-02-18T23:37:00.000-08:00

Skirt: Preview Collection via Goodwill
Sweater dress (layered underneath): Ross
Cardigan (base layer): Goodwill
Tights: Hue via The Rack
Boots: Steve Madden

Secret Viewpoint

2011-02-18T23:34:00.000-08:00

I found a new hidden park by my work--it has a fantastic view and is at the end of a windy little road.

Sweater: Banana Republic via Goodwill
Cardigan: Unknown via Goodwill
Skirt: Express via Plato's Closet
Tights: Target
Shoes: Naturalizer via Goodwill

Speaking of Gray...

2011-02-18T23:30:00.000-08:00

Boots: Steve Madden
Tights: Hue via Plato's Closet
Skirt: Brass Plum via Goodwill
Sweater: Ross
Long sleeve: Kiabi via France

Gray All Over

2011-02-18T22:57:00.000-08:00

All of the gray, black and brown has been driving me crazy! Gray skies, gray tights, gray sweaters and gray trees. I wanted some color, so I pulled out my orange tweed + red sweater combination.

Skirt: Vintage via Goodwill Outlet
Shirt: Gift
Sweater: 22 via The Rack
Scarf: Goodwill
Tights: Underarmour plus Hue via The Rack
Boots: Steve Madden

A Weekend Pant

2011-02-08T07:00:00.000-08:00

I am trying out these pants as a potential travel pant...they are so different than the stereotypical nylon cargo pant, but they are comfy, stretchy, dark, and versatile, and those qualities might outweigh a need to dry uber-quickly if it rains. Even if they don't make it as a travel pant, they are my new favorite weekend pant! When I picked these pants up off the rack at the Goodwill, fears of jeggings flitted through my head, but I think the black color, the working zip-fly and the legitimate side seams allay those fears. What do you think--too close to leggings?

Pants: Jolt via Goodwill
Sweater: Unknown via Goodwill
Scarf: Goodwill
Shoes: France

Reaching for Colors

2011-02-07T07:00:00.000-08:00

Despite my love for layers and dark colors, I am growing tired of winter...here in Big City, it is always so gloomy and gray! This was my attempt at bringing in a bit of color and contrast.

Of course, due to the weather, it all had to go underneath my dark cardigan--I am too much a wimp to shuck all my layers, no matter how much I long for the spring!

Pants: Le Merlot via Plato's Closet
Cardigan: Self-made via Goodwill find
Shirt: Matty M via Plato's Closet
Scarf: Goodwill
Shoes: Champion via Goodwill donation pile

2011-02-01T22:16:00.000-08:00

Finally busting out my fancy J Crew tights I scored from Ross! These tights are very cute, but surprisingly difficult to wear...although that could just be because of my laziness (I blame the dreary weather!).

So many layers in this outfit!
Shirt: Gray longsleeve via Goodwill
Dress: Rhapsody Sweaterdress via Ross
Skirt: Brass Plum via Goodwill
Tights: J. Crew via Ross
Shoes: Naturalizer via Goodwill
Blazer: AE via Plato's Closet

The Pendulum Swings

2011-02-01T22:12:00.001-08:00

This was my swing towards form, away from function. These shoes are so adorable, but so impractical! However, they (plus this vintage-inspired swooshy dress) satisfied my girly-craving for the weekend.

Dress: Self-made
Cardigan: Unknown via Goodwill donation pile
Belt: Goodwill
Shoes: Dollhouse via Ross
Tights: Target

Balancing Form and Function

2011-02-01T22:06:00.000-08:00

How much do you value form verses function? I find that most fashion bloggers value form much more than function, and as I prepare for the upcoming year I am trying to find the best way to balance the two. This is a daily outfit that leans towards 'function' for me, practical and versatile.

Jeans: AE via Plato's Closet
Cardi: Self-made
Scarf: Allivanders, gift
Shirt: Tricot Jolie via Plato's Closet
Shoes: Naturalizer via Goodwill

Beads From Rome

2011-01-27T22:00:00.000-08:00

I've been so busy at work that I've been defaulting to the same outfits time and time again (luckily, I've spared you all from my wardrobe ennui). This was my effort to break out of the rut--how bored can you really be when you're wearing awesome high-heeled rugged leather boots?

I love this necklace--it pulls together so many of the colors I often wear! I bought it from a street market in Rome, intending to give it away as a gift...but I kept it for myself, hehe.

Boots: Giusti via Goodwill
Tights: Target
Sweater: J. Crew via Goodwill
Cardigan: Unknown via Goodwill
Necklace: Rome street market
Belt: Unknown via Goodwill

Silk on Silk

2011-01-24T22:05:00.000-08:00

Skirt: INC via Goodwill
Tights: Target
Shoes: Goodwill
Shirt: Matty M via Plato's Closet
Cardigan: Unknown via Goodwill donation pile
Scarf: Goodwill

Fold and Pleats

2011-01-23T14:52:00.000-08:00

Tights: Hue via The Rack
Shoes: Naturalizer via Goodwill
Sweater: Chico's
Dress: Unknown via Goodwill
Belt: Chico's via Goodwill
Scarf: Goodwill

Bright Mornings

2011-01-20T22:02:00.000-08:00

I love how the mornings are finally getting brighter--it makes me so cheery on my way to work!

I will be happy when it gets a bit warmer, though--I am wearing an Underarmour shirt plus a thick camisole layered underneath everything else!

Jeans: Martin & Osa via Goodwill
Shirt: Lucky Brand via Goodwill
Sweater: Goodwill donation pile
Boots: Steve Madden

True Grit

2011-01-16T18:25:00.000-08:00

I watched True Grit today and decided to wear my cowboy boots to the theater to get myself in the proper mood. I find that I am often inspired to wear new styles (or old styles in new ways) by movies.

Skirt: Self-made
Shirt: J. Crew via Goodwill
Tights: Hue via The Rack
Boots: Faded Glory via Goodwill
Belt: Goodwill

White As Snow

2011-01-16T18:13:00.000-08:00

I fear that my skin is, indeed, turning as white as snow due to lack of Vitamin D! I have been working longer hours at work and the only time I see sunlight is on weekends. This, unfortunately, means that I have been remiss in posting my outfits. I am hoping that my before-work photos will become possible within one or two weeks, as it has just been too dark recently to take any photos in the morning!

The weather has been so odd here--alternating snow flurries with dreary rain with bright sun!

I also have still been working on my new project. It is another blog, although quite different than this one. I am developing content and refining my initial ideas as the moment, but it is still a ways off from being ready to be 'born,' so to speak.

I saw this fantastic old tree when I was walking this morning.

Sweater: Unknown via Goodwill
Jeans: Martin & Osa via Goodwill
Boots: Steve Madden
Scarf: Goodwill
Coat: Maurice, Gift

All Quiet

2011-01-08T14:42:00.000-08:00

It's been pretty quiet around here lately--I am working on a new project, which is taking a lot of my time. More news to come soon!

Sweater: Chico's
Scarf: Self-made
Tights (Hue) layered over leggings (Target)
Boots: Steve Madden
Sweaterdress: Ross
Longsleeve: Kiabi via France

What I Ski In

2011-01-04T16:45:00.000-08:00

I went skiing for the first time this weekend--it was so much fun! It was also FREEZING (it was 4 degrees Fahrenheit when I was outside skiing, for a high of the day around 15) so this is what I wore, seen here on a hike after skiing:

Pants: THREE pairs. Underarmour, wool long underwear, and these cotton pants. I was toasty!
Shirts: Underarmour, wool longsleeve, Marmot zipup, and red rain jacket.
PLUS: hat, scarf, wool socks and hiking boots!

A crystal-coated branch I saw while hiking...

Back To School

2011-01-04T16:41:00.000-08:00

I had several meetings at work today, so I chose a very conservative, normal look of pants and a blazer. My Naturalizer shoes were a comfy choice and my sweater added warmth (there is snow on the ground!).

Pants: Le Merlot via Plato's Closet
Shoes: Naturalizer via Goodwill
Sweater: Gap via Goodwill
Blazer: H&M

Debuting Presents

2010-12-31T06:00:00.000-08:00

I got this white coat from my step-MIL. She always gives the best presents! Did you guys have anything fun under the tree this year? Do you like getting presents or picking out items for yourself best?

Skirt: Self-made
Jacket: Maurices, gift
Shirt: J. Crew via Goodwill
Tights: F21, gift
Boots: Giusti via Goodwill

I liked how my makeup turned out today! You can't really see it that much, but I'm wearing this fabulous purple eyeshadow from Fyrinnae that I am in love with.

Four Ways To Wear Episode 14: Teal Shirt

2010-12-30T16:58:00.000-08:00

The Candidate: A silk teal shirt

The Goal: A versatile, comfortable piece that will function in a work setting as well as at play.

The Results:

Shirt: Matty M via Plato's Closet
Skirt: Brass Plum via Goodwill
Tights: F21, gift
Boots: Giusti via Goodwill
Necklace: from a street vendor in Rome
Long sleeve shirt: Energie, gift

Shirt: Matty M via Plato's Closet
Long sleeve shirt: Energie, gift
Tights: Hue via The Rack
Skirt: Self-made
Belt: Goodwill
Shoes: Naturalizer via Goodwill

Shirt: Matty M via Plato's Closet
Pants: AE via Plato's Closet
Shoes: Naturalizer via Goodwill

Shirt: Matty M via Plato's Closet
Belt: Target
Dress: unknown via Goodwill
Shoes: Curfew via Goodwill

The Verdict: I love it! The color and shape work nicely into the rest of my wardrobe, the sleeves add a bit of luxe, and the silk material is divine. I was worried about laundering it--it says Dry Clean Only, which is do-able but not ideal--but after doing some research I think I will be able to handwash it in lukewarm water with baby shampoo and it will be fine. My only concern is how it will wear and if it would be able to travel. However, I scored it for $15 at Plato's Closet and paid for it with a gift card I have been holding for ages, so it was (basically) free! For that, I won't feel too bad using it as a 'test run' everyday wear silk shirt.

This is also replacing two similar shirts that I had previously but in cotton. For some reason, I was under the impression that I wore them frequently, but looking back through my blog I can only find one entry when I wore one of them! You can barely see it, but I wore it when I was showing off the suede Coach bag I won from 365 Fashion Rehab's no-shop challenge. I had two of these shirts--teal, loose-fitting, cotton. I guess they were the type of shirt that I would pull out, think about wearing, and ultimately put them back. I certainly hope that is not the case with this lovely silk shirt!

Do you guys have any tips for silk clothing? Have you handwashed any silk items, and did it turn out well (or not so well)?

Have you ever had any items of clothing that you thought you wore all the time, but it turns out you didn't? (am I the only person this has happened to? See, this is why I like having a blog--it helps support my failing memory!)

Check out my other Four Ways to Wear Episodes!
Episode Thirteen: Orange Tweed Skirt
Episode Twelve: Black Silk Shirt
Episode Eleven: Nude Sweater
Episode Ten: Cognac-Colored Boots
Episode Nine: Watercolor Silk Shirt
Episode Eight: Orchid Silk Dress
Episode Seven: Brown Full Skirt
Episode Six: Black Oxford Flats
Episode Five: Black Poncho and Cream Sweater
Episode Four: Safari Skirt
Episode Three: Red Sweater
Episode Two: Purple Embroidered Shirt
Episode One: Brown Pencil Skirt

The Pieces Are Greater Than The Whole

2010-12-30T16:51:00.000-08:00

I debated posting this outfit, but it is, indeed, what I wore today. Something about it just isn't working for me and I can't tell what. Is it that the scarf looks too random, color-wise? There are not very many textures? My hair is looking limp? (this is true, not a question! haha) Today I was just running errands so it didn't bother me, but I can't quite put my finger on this one. I like all the pieces, but I don't think the whole is working. Thoughts? What flaws do you find in your ok-but-not-great outfits?

Dress: Martin & Osa via Goodwill
Scarf: Silk via Goodwill
Shirt: Energie, gift
Tights: F21, gift
Shoes: Naturalizer via Goodwill

I do love this scarf, though!

Winding Up Winter

2010-12-30T16:42:00.000-08:00

As my winter break comes to a close, I find myself both scrambling to finish my errands and chores as well as relishing the time to sit and relax. I am in the middle of approximately 34245465 books right now and have spent many an hour sitting in a coffee shop reading.

Shirt: Energie, gift
Scarf: Silk via Goodwill
Jeans: Martin & Osa via Goodwill
Boots: Steve Madden

Get The Look of SLR With a Point and Shoot (a Tutorial)

2010-12-23T07:00:00.000-08:00

You guys voted that you wanted a photo-editing tutorial (it seems so long ago now) and here it is! I use GIMP, a free photo-editing program you can download. It is comparable to Photoshop...only free, therefore I love it. :)

I will be showing you the basic method I use to get from this:

to this:

Now, I am definitely not a professional! This is just the way that I do. Also, if you have an SLR then you should not need this tutorial--you are already at the 'end' product that I made! I just can't afford an SLR right now, so this is the (long, complicated) process that I do.
*whew* Alright, ready to start?

STEP 1: Choose your photo
I probably take between ten and forty photos of each outfit and cull them until I am left with the top two or three. If I am going to post multiple photos of the same outfit, then the poses need to be sufficiently different for it to be worth it. I also try to post at least one closeup per outfit, although sometimes I have more and sometimes I have less. This is the photo I have chosen for this tutorial.

Notice the unflattering background? The dogs doing their doggy thing on the side? All of that will be going.

STEP 2: Crop the bejeezus out of it!
While the artsy photos are good sometimes, and some blogger make them look fantastic, I am just not there yet. I like a photo that shows my outfit--it is called an Outfit Photo, after all.

STEP 3: Increase saturation
It has been so dark and gray here in Big City that I am automatically upping the saturation on all my photos. This photo was taken around 3:30 in the afternoon and the sun was already going down, so colors were beginning to look washed out. If your camera captures color very well then you may not need this step, but I like it to add a POW to my photos. It's not super obvious here, but it makes a difference later on.

Step 4: Increase contrast
Here is where I want my darks to go darker and my lights to be lighter. Again, this is about developing my photos to be more than just shades of gray. If increasing contrast does weird things to your photo, such as washing out delicate details or making the shadows too dark, try playing around with the Curves feature (available under 'Colors' in the menu). Curves is a way to adjust specific shades of the photo (for example, all mid-range grays, or all bright whites) to be darker or lighter. You can do this independently of the other shades in the photo, which is very convenient. However, for this photo I just needed to up the contrast a bit.

STEP 5: Blur Background
To get the distinctive background blur of an SLR camera, I had to take a few steps.
1. Using the Magic Scissors function (in the toolbox), I 'cut' myself and a bit of the foreground out. The Magic Scissors function is pretty useful--it selects along the point of highest color gradient to 'guess' where the edge is where you are cutting. I select points every so often along the figure and the line 'magically' appears in between. I can then adjust if it 'guessed' wrong. I cut out the foreground as well because it is in the same plane as me, so with an SLR it will be in focus.
2. Once I go all the way around, I click again on the first point to close the circle.
3. Then I click in the middle of the object to select it.
4. Right click and select 'Copy Visible.'
5. Create a new layer and hit paste.
6. Select the bottom layer (the cropped image you started with).
7. Select Filters-->Blur-->Gaussian Blur. I usually blur it with Gaussian blur once or twice.
I know this sounds confusing, but if you practice along with a sample photo it will make much more sense! Basically what you have done is blurred the entire photo, but in the layer above this blur you have the cutout of you (and the foreground) pasted, clear and unblurred.

STEP 6: Blend, Blend, Blend!
Almost done! Now I compress the layers (Image-->Merge Visible Layers). At this point, however, you have a pretty strong line between the blurred background and the sharp foreground.
Out of the Toolbox I select the Healing Tool (it looks like two bandaids), put the opacity at 20% and adjust the scale (usually around 2 makes it the right size for me).
I hit Control and click in the blurred background right above the line between blurred and sharp. Then I smudge between the blurryness and the line. Because the opacity is around 20%, this will create a gradient from blurry background to sharp foreground.

STEP 7: Admire!
Yay, you finished! This might have taken a long time for the first go through, but with practice it will go much more quickly.

I am always on the lookout for more hints and tricks--does anyone have any great tutorials to point me towards, or any tips I can use? I am constantly refining my photo-editing technique!

Vintage Daisy Accent

2010-12-22T20:59:00.000-08:00

I felt so pretty in this outfit! I was running a long day of errands and I needed to be comfy, but wanted the energy and confidence of looking great. The boots are a perfect balance of both, and then I just piled on pretty sweaters, cozy tights and a fun pin until I got the right proportion.

I actually feel on top of all of my Christmas shopping--only a few last things to make, nothing even left to buy! This time last year I was scrambling.

How has your holiday season gone so far? Have you had to pile on the layers, or is it still mild where you're at?

My most recent find--a vintage daisy pin at Goodwill! I love the cuteness it will add to my outfits, plus I can use it to wrangle all of my scarves and layers in place.

Skirt: H&M via Plato's Closet
Sweater: J. Crew via Goodwill
Sweater: Unknown via Goodwill
Tights: Hue via Plato's Closet
Boots: Steve Madden
Pin: Vintage, Goodwill

Back With Bangs

2010-12-22T14:40:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone! I am back from my (somewhat unintentional) hiatus! I am having construction done on my house and the internet ended up being out for much longer than I had anticipated. However, I am back and I GOT BANGS! They are actually quite a bit different than what I had envisioned, but at least hair grows relatively fast. In the meanwhile, I get to play with a haircut completely different than anything I have had before! :)

Still no Gorillapod, so you guys get to enjoy more of my (dismally unkempt) backyard!

A new silk scarf I found at the Goodwill when I was Christmas shopping! Hehe, I love finding little things for me when I am supposed to be shopping for everyone else...Plus, this is the brown/black neutral patterned scarf I have been looking for!

Dress: Julie's Closet via Goodwill Outlet
Longsleeve shirt: Gap via Plato's Closet
Tights: Target
Shoes: Naturalizer via Goodwill
Scarf: Goodwill
Belt: Chico's via Goodwill

Lost Gorillapod

2010-12-12T12:53:00.000-08:00

Readers...I have a confession. I have not posted an outfit photo for almost a week now, and it has been partially due to the fact that it has been POURING rain and very dark here in Big City. However, it has mostly been due to the fact that I cannot find my Gorillapod. I am thinking that it fell out of my purse at the grocery store, or magnetically attached itself to something (the grocery cart? the bottom of my car?) and I didn't notice. I have spent four days looking for it and it is nowhere to be seen, and I have narrowed time the estimated time of loss to a period of about an hour, so I'm pretty sure I didn't just misplace it at home. I am hoping that someone will take pity on me and gift another one to me for Christmas, but as punishment for my negligence I will be without a Gorillapod until at least then.

This loss brings about a very interesting point, however. I functioned without a Gorillapod for many years, and kept up my blog without it for many months. Granted, I think my photo quality has greatly increased with the use of the Gorillapod, but I AM capable of functioning without one. So why did I completely halt my photo-taking during this period? Did I become so dependent on the Gorillapod in our short time together that I could not function without it? Or was taking photos merely the vehicle to use my new toy, the Gorillapod? I'm not sure.

Well, I finally bucked up and took my photos today the old-fashioned way, by balancing my camera on a small shelf and taking the photos in my backyard. They're not as pretty as they have been with my late and beloved Gorillapod, but you can see what I'm wearing today.

I went to a greenhouse this weekend!

Do you have anything you psychologically NEED to do an activity, even if said item is not vital to the activity itself?

Do you have any tricks to finding something that you've lost? Or any stories to commiserate with me? (Mr. P can tell you I have been sad and mopey about my missing Gorillapod for days now!)

On a brighter note--I made this skirt! You might remember this charcoal gray dress I wore a few times. I loved the material (a wool blend) and the pintucks on the skirt near the hem, but the top of the dress was bulky and never would lay quite right. So, I busted out my sewing machine, took out my scissors, and turned it into this cute little skirt. Not only does it change a hard-to-wear item into a very wearable item, but it fills my recent desire for another casual skirt!

Are you a DIY fan? Can you point me to any awesome projects you've done (for inspiration)?

Shirt: Merona via Goodwill
Skirt: Self-made
Tights: Hue via Plato's Closet
Boots: Capelli via Goodwill
Zip-up: Marmot
Belt: Unknown via Goodwill

Fashion Friend Friday: Are you connected?

2010-12-10T20:14:00.000-08:00

Alright everyone, this is my first time participating in Fashion Friend Friday! The topic this week was 'Are you connected.' To see what other bloggers answered to these questions, check out this week's Fashion Friend Friday post on ModlyChic.

I also have one question to pose to you, my lovely readers! What can I do to improve the blogger/reader dialogue on Developing Style?

1. How important do you think reader connectedness is to the success your blog?
I think that reader connectedness is one of the most important pieces of a successful blog. I think that readers need to feel a connection to the blog, whether through a feeling of like-mindedness with the blogger, a good dialogue with the blogger, or something else entirely. When I am choosing a blog to follow, both of those pieces come into play for me.

2. What do you do to draw readers in and create that writer-reader bond?
I usually pose at least one question to the readers, whether it is to express their opinions, tell about an experience, or make a connection to something personal. I also almost always reply to questions and comments readers leave me in the comments on my blog! Finally, I love to participate in the dialogue on other people's blogs by leaving comments and relating something another blogger has said back to my life.

3. What is one way you could improve this connection?
I want to try to explore more new blogs--I have been busy lately and it hasn't been as much of a priority as it could be. I also loved hosting the last poll and would love to host another one to learn more about my readers!

4. Is there a blogger you think does a great job creating that writer-reader bond? Why?
I think that Scholar Style Guide does a fabulous job of talking about interesting issues and then posing thought-provoking questions. I always feel like I'm in a conversation when I comment in their blog. This is facilitated by the fact that they comment on my blog, and they are all so nice! :)

5. What do you do to cultivate new readers? How do you get them to your site in the first place?
I try to find other blogs that are interesting to me (and hopefully vice versa will be true!) and leave thoughtful comments. I also participate in blogging events, such as Kendi's 30 for 30.

Quick Update

2010-12-10T07:26:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone! I am having some technical difficulties, so I haven't been able to post outfit pictures these last few days. I'm hoping to resolve my problems this weekend and post some outfits up then!
Happy Friday!

Featured Artist

2010-12-08T22:19:00.000-08:00

This week's featured artists are Ryan and Lucy of Berkley Illustration. I have been a fan of their work on Etsy for awhile now and I wanted to share my love!

Their work is always whimsical, but with a crisp-lined appearance that is very appealing to me. I love the different animals they choose to feature and the relation between the clothing and the animals themselves. Plus, they use micron pens and Prismacolor pencils, two of my favorite art mediums to play with!

Isn't this cat just the MOST AMAZING THING EVER?! Yes, I do think so.

Random Plummy Facts

2010-12-07T22:35:00.000-08:00

The awesome S. of Narrowly Tailored tagged me for the ubiquitous seven random things meme, so here they are!

1. I love to travel and enjoy going backpacking in foreign countries with my husband. However, don't expect to see outfit pics when I am traveling since I usually just rotate through a few items of clothing for the trip (reason: I am a weakling and physically cannot carry a huge bag when backpacking).

2. I actually enjoy rainy weather...but I hate it when it is overcast and on-and-off drizzly. That is the WORST!

3. My kitten is both mentally challenged and also gimpy--she was hit by a car when she was small, so now she's very simple-minded and has bad vision, hearing, and three legs. But she's my kitty baby!

4. I am sort of a loner. I love hanging out with groups of friends, but think that being in a huge group of people I don't know very well is stressful. I am trying to get over this dislike by being more of a 'yes person.' This also creates an interesting problem given my propensity for travel and moving frequently...

5. I double majored in Biology and French and I love studying, especially studying science (organic chemistry? human genetics? yes, please!).

6. I have an unhealthy attachment to candy corn. And nerds. And coca cola. Besides those items, however, I really don't like sweet foods (besides fruit, which completely doesn't count). I would take plain yogurt over pre-sweetened yogurt, bread over cake, and veggies over ice cream (except sorbet, since sorbet equals fruit and fruit doesn't count! I have my rationalization completely worked out).

7. I am a complete organization freak. I cannot focus unless my space is clean and organized. I am also a huge fan of lists, so this meme works well for me!

A mushroom from a recent hike.

Thirty for Thirty Overall Review

2010-12-06T20:28:00.000-08:00

Click here if you want to see my review of the first third of the 30 for 30, and click here if you want to see my review of the middle third of this challenge.

Things that surprised me:

In the final third, my most worn item far and away was my pair of black Naturalizer leather flats, and not my black boots as in the first two thirds of the challenge. Why the shift?

How content I am with my wardrobe now. I feel like every piece has proven its worth and deserves a spot in my closet--if anything, I now feel more attached to each of my 30 items, rather than less attached.

I wear skirts 2/3 of the time...I guess that makes sense.

Apparently I can stand to invest a bit more money in cardigans and blazers, since only ONE DAY OUT OF THE THIRTY did I go without one or the other. (how did this happen?!?!)

I also wore a scarf 47% of the time. Hm. I thought it would be over 50% of the time, but I guess not.

I completely did not realize how seldom I wear each piece in my wardrobe. Out of these thirty items, there were quite a few that I only wore twice over the course of the month. When I only had thirty items to choose from! Think of how seldom I wear an item normally when I can choose out of my entire wardrobe, then factor in my seasonal wardrobe (for example, all of my summer-specific items are put away right for the cold-weather months). I wonder if I have quite a few items that are only worn a handful of times in a season.

How often do you think you wear a given item of clothing in a season? How many times do you think you wear each item before you donate it/toss it/let it sit in your closet for ten years and then donate it?

If you participated in the 30 for 30, what surprised you the most during the challenge?

Thirty out of Thirty

2010-12-06T17:51:00.000-08:00

Wow. I can't believe this is it. I made it through this month and it seemed so speedy. There were some outfits that just struggled to be put together, such as this one with the blue tights, but there were other outfits, such as the one for today, that just fell together effortlessly. I knew I wanted to wear something fun for the last day of the challenge and I wanted to incorporate this peach J. Crew sweater, and everything else just fell into place.

The review for the last third of the challenge, plus my overall thoughts, will be up later tonight!

Skirt: Preview Collection via Goodwill
Tights: Gray F21 tights layered over Black Target tights
Shirt: J. Crew via Goodwill
Scarf: Unknown via Goodwill
Sweater: Unknown via Goodwill

Twenty Nine Knuts to a Sickle

2010-12-05T15:23:00.000-08:00

This is a backlogged outfit that I wore early last week. I liked how the belt really pulled the outfit together, from defining the waist to balancing the dark legs and feet. As we all have seen, time and time again, I am a chronic belter. What about you guys? To belt or not to belt?

Skirt: I.N.C. via Goodwill
Tights: Target
Shoes: Naturalizer via Goodwill
Shirt: Loft via Plato's Closet
Cardigan: Unknown via Goodwill
Belt: Unknown via Goodwill

Twenty Eight Days Later

2010-12-05T15:12:00.000-08:00

I was disappointed this morning when I noticed I had a run in my stockings! These were from Target and have only been worn twice. Actually, the initial idea I had for this post was to talk about how I rarely wear them even though I bought them to be a basic neutral. Anyways, I was so disappointed! Only two wears, and a run on the heel and ankle? I still wore them for today because I was just running errands, but after this 30 is over I will definitely be going through my tights, tossing the ones with holes or runs and grabbing some new ones. I usually go for Hue, but I have also heard some good things about the Spanx tights (just in terms of durability, quality and warmth--I don't care about slimming down!).

Do you guys have any brands of tights you can recommend, or any brands I should avoid at all costs? What other items do you have that don't last as long as you think they should?

Tights: Target
Shoes: Naturalizer via Goodwill
Dress: Martin & Osa via Goodwill
Long-sleeve shirt (under dress): Gap via Plato's Closet
Cardigan: Unknown via Goodwill
Scarf: Self-made

November: A Month In Review

2010-12-04T23:07:00.000-08:00

Despite participating in Kendi's 30 for 30 challenge this month, I still managed to amass several purchases before the challenge started. What can I say, I'm industrious!

Peach J. Crew Knit Sweater: On my way to the fitting rooms at the Goodwill I saw this sweater hanging off the end of a rack. Without slowing down, my hand shot out, picked it up, and for $4 it came home with me. I love this sweater--the peach color is the perfect nude for me. While it's a bit shorter than I would like, I always wear it with a pink camisole (it is a loose-weave) which adds the perfect length.

Black Banana Republic Silk Shirt: This shirt is replacing a few basic black shirts that I have. It is not just a jersey knit, but is instead a silk blend and is luxuriously soft. I love the accordion pleating above the bust and the soft ruffles on the shoulder, and am hoping that it will never pill because of the higher-quality fiber content. It was $4 at the Goodwill (brand new condition too, haha!)

Black and Brown Cardigan: I made this out of a crazy, XL grandpa sweater I found at the Goodwill for $5. While I like the color (a mix of black and brown, emphasis on black), the length, and the overall fit, I wish I had waited for a nicer fiber-content. This is acrylic and is already beginning to pill. It's crazy, the difference between this material and some of my nicer materials. I do wear it all the time, but I am hoping to upgrade it at some point. In the future, good fiber-content will be one of my must-haves when buying a new item. It makes such a difference, with all types of clothing! Even my silk scarves are light years beyond the synthetic ones, in terms of warmth and softness.

Black Rain Boots: These were my most expensive purchase this month. Also from the Goodwill, these were around $20 and brand new. I decided to grab them because of a recent wet-feet-when-it-was-raining-SO-HARD incident, when I swore to myself that the next time I saw a good pair of conservative-looking rainboots for a decent price I would buy them. I literally purchased them the night before the 30 for 30 started, but have already worn them several times and am content with my purchase.

Conclusion: Despite being on a no-buy for most of this month due to the 30 for 30 challenge, I still managed to grab some nice items before the craziness began! My total this month was $33, which is good. I think my favorite item this month is a toss-up between my peach sweater and my black shirt. I love how they both are made from high quality material, they fit nicely into my wardrobe, and they are a little bit special. My lesson learned this month is that fabric quality is KEY. It is the reason why I love my favorite items, and it is what holds me back from truly loving my new cardigan. In the future, I will definitely be only buying higher quality fabrics, especially keeping an eye out for wool, cashmere, silk and leather.

I think it's also telling that all four of my new items made it into the 30 items for the challenge and remixed effortlessly. This is what I am hoping all of my purchases will be able to do!

How much do you usually spend on clothing in a month? Are you satisfied with that amount, or do you wish you could spend more/less?
What is the most important deal-breaker point you look for when shopping for clothing?

Interested in seeing other Month in Reviews? Here is October's Month in Review, and here is September's Month in Review.

Deuce Seven (Means Twenty Seven)

2010-12-04T22:26:00.000-08:00

I love my hair up like this. I was iffy at first, thinking it would make me more milkmaid-in-Switzerland than I would like, but so far it has been a fantastic way to keep my hair out of my face in an unusual but cute way! TIP: If your hair isn't long enough for the braids to go all the way across the top of your head, make the pigtails start higher--you can see that my braided pigtails start above my ears, so they will be long enough to reach over my head. :)

Do you have any ingenious ways to put your hair up?

Jeans: Martin & Osa via Goodwill
Shoes: Naturalizer via Goodwill
Shirt: Tricot Jolie via Plato's Closet
Cardigan: Re-fashioned from Goodwill find

Twenty Six Cantons in Switzerland

2010-12-03T16:47:00.000-08:00

I really wanted to rush through this week, double posting so I could go shopping right away this weekend...but then I decided that it would go against the spirit of the challenge. I have one backlogged outfit I have to edit the photos of, and that puts me at Monday being my last day of the challenge and Tuesday being my first day of freedom.

What is everyone going to do once the 30 for 30 is over? I am definitely going to grab the basic gray Hue tights I wanted to buy but did not, to replace both of my gray tights with holes in them. Then, it's hello, rest of my wardrobe! Funny enough, however, I am not extremely tired of my 30 items. I miss a few of the items that didn't make the cut, but I will not be avoiding these 30 items after Monday.

I will also be making a massive tour of the thrift shops that have been sorely missed this past month--not necessarily to buy anything (this month has definitely taught me that my wardrobe is sufficient) but just as a way to reacquaint myself with some of my favorite haunts. It's weird, but I feel like the 30 has just begun--it's unbelievable to think that it's been a month!

What are your plans?
Has this month seemed uber-long, or has it just flown by for you?
Are you itching to put on anything that is not one of your 30 items? Or would you be content to continue wearing the same items for awhile longer?

Jeans: Martin & Osa via Goodwill
Boots: Steve Madden
Shirt: Tricot Jolie via Plato's Closet layered over Underarmour via Goodwill
Blazer: H&M
Necklace: Spotted Moth via Giveaway

Twenty Five Pennies

2010-12-02T23:59:00.000-08:00

After looking over my Two Thirds Review, I realized that I have been wearing cardigans almost every day for the past few days. I wanted to try to branch out a bit, so instead I wore a long-sleeved shirt underneath my sweater to have the warmth without the layering look. It's not a huge step, but it's something. Next: Outfits without scarves!

What items do you wear out of habit?
Do you have any 'safety-blanket' items you feel undressed without?
What has been your most ridiculous favorite item that you wore all the time?

Sweater: Gap via Goodwill
Long-sleeved shirt underneath: Kiabi via France
Skirt: Preview Collection via Goodwill
Tights: Black Tights from Target layered over Underamour
Boots: Giusti via Goodwill
Scarf: Self-made

Two Thirds Review

2010-12-01T21:21:00.000-08:00

A few days late, but who's counting? ;)

Items I have worn the most in this third of the 30 for 30:
Still my black Steve Madden boots. They earn their wardrobe workhorse title every day! I also have been going crazy for cardigans, sweaters and wraps, but that's not surprising considering the SNOW.

Items I have not worn yet: I have now worn every item of my 30 items! I traded out the pinstriped button down shirt for an Underarmour shirt and that, too, has been worn.

My favorite outfit was number 11 (I love that bright orchid color!) and my favorite photo was number 20. Not so surprisingly, this photo was taken on a semi-sunny day, when it was not raining, actually in the middle of the day. Crazy, right? Obviously a weekend day, haha. My least favorite outfit was probably number 18, only because it was so predictable for me--black boots, gray tights, black sweater dress with a scarf and coat? Ultimate laziness! Shame, Plummy! Number 20 wasn't really a memorable look, but I like my hair so much in that one that I am giving myself a free pass.

Lessons I have learned in the middle third of this 30 for 30 challenge:
1. I still feel like I have quite a few ideas for outfits and I don't feel bored of my clothing yet, which is both surprising and awesome.
2. The frantic desire to go shopping has died down, which was another nice surprise (even though I am still excited to go shopping after this challenge is over).
3. I am valuing my accessories more than ever and find my window-shopping turning more and more towards the accent pieces in an outfit.
4. Good photos will make me like the outfit more, because I am just that much of a sucker for pretty, distracting things.

Do you have any automatic free passes to a good outfit (such as good photo, great hair, etc)?

Twenty Four Hours of Light

2010-12-01T20:47:00.000-08:00

...is certainly not here! I'm having problems getting proper lighting on my pictures, as I go to work before the sun comes up and come home after the sun goes down. Yesterday it was raining and was therefore too dark all day to take any photos at all. I will be retaking those photos at some unknown, later date, maybe when the sun will cooperate a bit more. Does anyone else have this problem? I feel like I see so many beautiful pictures in the blogosphere, but I don't know how people manage to get pictures with proper lighting in the winter, especially if they are working! Does anyone have any creative solutions?

What other weird blogging problems have you encountered?

Pants: The Merlot via Plato's Closet
Shoes: Naturalizer via Goodwill
Long Sleeve Shirt: Kiabi via France
Short Sleeve Shirt: Language Los Angeles via Plato's Closet
Blazer: AE via Plato's Closet

Twenty Three Chromosomes

2010-11-29T20:27:00.000-08:00

After my crazy amount of unexpected time off recently (snow, I love you) I felt invigorated and ready to start a new week. Of course, so did the kids at my school and it took most of my energy to wrangle them to the tasks at hand in class, but that's another story!

I decided to go for my typical teacher ensemble--pencil skirt, ballet flats, cardigan and scarf. In my attempts to actually use most of my wardrobe I decided to bring out these bright indigo tights that I rarely wear. They are another pair of tights that are surprisingly bright once you put them on, much like my bright teal Hue tights; I had bought them thinking they would be a subdued navy, but clearly I was mistaken! The scarf is an attempt to bring the tights into the realm of 'normal' for me, as this bright color is a bit out of my comfort zone. What do you think? Did I stay true to my fledgling style, or is this a bit too far out of my color palette?

Do you have any accessories that didn't wear how you thought they would? Do you have any tricks to bring an unusual accessory into your daily rotation?

Shoes: Naturalizer
Tights: Hue via Plato's Closet
Skirt: Preview Collection via Goodwill
Shirt: J. Crew via Goodwill
Cardigan: Self-made
Scarf: Unknown via Goodwill
Necklace: Vintage via Goodwill Outlet

New Feature Poll Results

2010-11-28T20:31:00.000-08:00

The results are in from last week's poll on which new feature I should do first on Developing Style. It looks like it's a tie between an interview with a fellow fashion blogger and a tutorial on mimicking SLR photography with photo-editing software! Keep a look-out for both of those features to be coming soon. If you voted for either the Gorilla-pod review or a layering for cold weather guide, I will still be doing these features, just a bit later. :)

A pretty leaf I saw during my run today.

Catch-Twenty Two

2010-11-28T16:07:00.000-08:00

This is what I wore for Thanksgiving dinner (a backlogged outfit that I am finally posting). It's ok...but it's not great. I am still posting it, however, because it is a great example of why this is called DEVELOPING Style, and not Plummy: Life of Glamour and an Eternally Fantastic Wardrobe. I can't quite put my finger on what's wrong with the outfit though. I think it's a bit top heavy? With no patterns and no single focal point of interest? Is it the lack of accessories? Readers, please help!

I still love my shoes though!

Sweater Dress: Rhapsody via Ross
Long-Sleeve Shirt: Kiabi via France
Tights: Hue via Plato's Closet
Shoes: Naturalizer via Goodwill
Sweater: 22 via The Rack (oh, the irony! Wearing the brand 22 for outfit 22...hahaha...)

(I also can't help but think that these tights would fix everything...but that might just be a minor obsession talking...)

Twenty One Grams

2010-11-28T15:52:00.000-08:00

How much time do you spend getting ready every day?

As much as I believe that it is the look of the person inside the clothing that really makes the outfit (NOTE: not the inside of the person. The look of the person herself. I believe in the goodness of people, but we're talking about the look of an outfit here), I can't quite bring myself to spend a lot of time every day making myself look faaaah-bulous. I think something inside me just rebels at the thought of wasting so much time on perfecting a look that will last less than 12 hours.

I love putting on makeup, perfecting my technique, but spending time on my hair is what I draw the line at. My hair is unruly, sort of curly and resistant to being styled--anything I do to it will fall out within a few hours. I've tried hairspray (it makes my hair oddly both stiff AND limp), hot irons (damage galore), bobby pins (slide out) and have resigned myself to never being a master of hairstyling. Enter my variety of ways to put my hair up! I love braids, but there are some days (read: today) when I just need it out of my way. Hence--ponytail.

How much time do you spend getting ready in the morning?

Do you see your makeup and hair as an integral part of your personal style, or separate?

What is your go-to hairstyle when you don't want to deal with your hair?

Skirt: H&M via Plato's Closet

Tights: Target

Shirt: Language Los Angeles via Plato's Closet

Cardigan: Unknown via Goodwill donation pile

Shoes: Naturalizer via Goodwill

Link-spiration

2010-11-28T09:44:00.001-08:00

Time for your weekly dose of linkage, c/o Plummy! This week I found myself gravitating towards small doses of extravagance.

I love the attention to detail in this post at Le Blog de Sushi, especially the glitter brogues and cute earrings.

This blogger from Moldova has a lovely winter look, one with not too many layers but still looking incredibly warm. I've been to Moldova in the winter and it's quite cold, so it's great to see how a blogger tackles this cold weather challenge!

This sweater is just the right amount of interest for an outfit. While I am not sure I could pull off the bright mustard quite as well as this blogger, I love the idea of a thick wrap-like sweater with a pattern.

I love the pattern mixing here! I tend to default to solids or subtle patterns and it is refreshing to see such a great use of pattern.

Finally, I love E. of Academichic. A fellow 30 for 30 remixer, I have always enjoyed her use of classic lines and awesome shoes, especially in this post.

Twenty Twenty

2010-11-27T21:33:00.000-08:00

Despite smack in the middle of my 30 for 30 challenge, I still went out Black Friday shopping with a friend—I was bound and determined to not let the challenge restrict my social outlets as much as possible. We went out bright and early, did the whole lining-up-outside-the-store-before-it-opens thing, got some awesome freebies (free $20 REI giftcard? Yes, please!), and saw the madness and pandemonium caused by people shopping while half asleep. I poked around a bit, looking at clothing in my sections—just to see what was there!

However, I was impressed with neither the quality of sales nor the quality of clothing! Anything that was up to my expected level of quality was completely out of any reasonable price range. Do you guys find that as well? It seems that there is a fairly distinct line between cheapy clothing (Forever 21 and H&M spring to mind) verses nicer-quality items—and a very distinct pricing division as well. I miss going to the Goodwill! I love how I don’t have to sacrifice on quality AND I get great deals there, plus not having the same item that everyone else has. I was waiting in line in one teen clothing store with my friend and I saw so many people buy the exact same item…but where is the fun in that? Am I missing something? I understand that personal styling definitely comes into it, but how many different ways can you style a red plaid button down shirt with a hood? What do you guys think about buying the same distinctive item as everyone else?

I was pretty impressed with myself though—even though I did find one item I wanted to buy (gray Hue tights! A basic I need to replace!) I decided that they would fall under the ‘shopping’ category, not a ‘basics’ category (which would include items such as soap, food, and white basic socks), and I sadly put them back. Hopefully they will still be there when this no-buy is over!

Did you guys go out Black Friday shopping? Was there anything you had to pry yourself away from, or was it fairly easy for you to resist the temptation?

What do you think about having the exact same distinctive item as many other people? Helps/hinders/doesn’t affect personal style?

Shirt: Tricot Jolie via Plato's Closet layered on top of Underarmour via Goodwill

Pants: Martin & Osa via Goodwill

Scarf: Goodwill

Cardigan: Unknown via Goodwill donation pile

Shoes: Naturalizer via Goodwill

Nineteen (84)

2010-11-24T10:41:00.000-08:00

I woke up thoroughly annoyed with my 30 item wardrobe. I was tired of remixing, tired of dealing with only the 30 items I chose, and I was grumpy to boot! So I put on my big girl pants and did what any self-respecting remixer would do--I wore a scarf as a top. *blows raspberry at 30 items* I wanted to rough up my outfit today and not have everything as pristine as it usually is. Given that my 30 items are all pretty clean-lined and nice looking, I used this plaid scarf I have been turning to again and again recently. I fastened it with several pins, wore multiple items of underarmour, and popped on my boots. Ready for another day of snow! Now that I am all dressed, I realize that I was being silly, and I have actually learned many things from this remix already!

THINGS PLUMMY HAS (RELUCTANTLY) LEARNED FROM THE 30 CHALLENGE
1. I usually rotate what I wear through these 30 items (there are only a few items in my wardrobe I really wanted to wear that I couldn't)

2. My winter wardrobe is woefully unprepared. Apparently I only own three long-sleeve shirts, including my purple sweater (but not including the three pieces of Underarmour that I wear underneath). I am completely unsure how this has happened, as I have lived in cold-weather climates for the past four years...

3. I really do wear scarves almost every single day.

4. I have a great basic wardrobe but would like to add more layers of interest--I found myself consistently wanting a piece to roughen an outfit up, or add a bit of contrast. This is where my desire for patterned tights, vintage shopping and not-so-feminine touches is emerging from.

5. I use thrift shopping as a hobby as well as a way to de-stress and get out of the house. Without thrift shopping I have been able to catch up on some projects I didn't have the time to do before (sewing, mending, cleaning and cooking) but I am still craving that hunt.

6. I can make do with what I have! This is the lesson I learned today, as I was able to put together an outfit that looked (to me) a little less pristine, a little more interesting, using items I already have. Of course, I still want to go thrift shopping, but I know I don't have to.

What items do you wish you had included (or could buy) during this challenge?

Have you missed shopping, or do you welcome the reprieve? If you have missed it, why?

Don't forget to vote in the poll on what upcoming feature I should do for the blog!

Leggings: Underarmour (only one layer today? It's like a miracle)
Skirt: H&M via Plato's Closet
Shirt: Underarmour
Scarf worn as wrap: Self-made
Pins: Gift from Grandma
Boots: Giusti via Goodwill
Socks: Target

Par For Eighteen

2010-11-23T09:12:00.000-08:00

More snow! No work again today, and I am housebound due to lack of snow chains for my car (I didn't expect I would need them so early in the year!). Today I chose an easy comfy warm outfit for a snowy day.

Do you get a lot of snow? What is your typical snow-outfit? Do you see your clothing choices changing dramatically with the weather, or are you fairly consistent with your style throughout the year?

Don't forget to vote in my poll! Let me know what you want to see as the next feature on my blog. :)

Legs: Underarmour, Target Tights, F21 Tights
Sweater Dress: Rhapsody via Ross
Base Shirt: Underarmour
Cardigan: Unknown via Goodwill donation pile
Belt: Unknown via Goodwill
Cashmere Scarf: Gift
Boots: Steve Madden
Snow: Awesome!

Seventeen Sickles to a Galleon

2010-11-22T11:26:00.000-08:00

Yes, I did see HP7 this weekend and it was AWESOME! I am a huge HP geek. ^^

...Onto the outfit of the day! I woke up and it was snowing. It is supposed to be very very cold today, so I decided that it wouldn't at all be cheating to swap out my pinstripe short-sleeve button down for my Underarmour longsleeve shirt. The forecast is cold and snowy for the week, a surprise for Big City which usually sees little snow, so I'm not going to feel bad at all about my swap. After I got completely dressed, had eaten breakfast, and was ready to go, I got the call that school was canceled for the day. However, I was already dressed so I took my outfit photos and am now snuggled up in a blanket, wearing leggings and my sweater.

Base Shirt: Underarmour long sleeve (modified by me so it's a scoop neck and not a turtle neck) via Goodwill
Middle Shirt: Gray Gap long sleeve via Plato's Closet
Outer Sweater Jacket: 22 via The Rack
Scarf: Unknown via Goodwill
Skirt: Brass Plum via Goodwill
Base Leggings: Underarmour
Outer Leggings: Hue via Plato's Closet

Link-spiration!

2010-11-21T18:43:00.001-08:00

Well, it is officially snowing so hard that school (which is on top of a mountain) has been canceled...so that means it's time for this week's edition of Link-spiration! Most likely due to the fact that I am having thrift-shopping withdrawals, most of the links this week are vintage or thrift-inspired. Enjoy!

Sally Jane Vintage is a virtual gold-mine of thrifting inspiration. I don't know how she does it, but she always finds the cutest high-quality thrift items. I especially love this vintage wool coat with a zip-apart hood that she found this week!

I loved Liz's post on Scholar Style Guide this week on being in a style rut and how to break out of one. There is an interesting discussion in the comments on pattern-mixing, getting yourself out of a rut and planning outfits ahead of time.

I think I am probably the last person in the blogosphere to find the Clothes Horse, but I finally did and her style is so cute! Girly without being over the top, always with plenty of vintage inspiration. I loved this post she did about all the ways she remixed this neutral dress--particularly fitting, considering that we are close to the two thirds mark on the 30 for 30.

I loved the casual-yet-still-professional look of this outfit on Unusual Form, a fellow remixer. We all know of my love of the color gray, and she pairs it with a punchy yellow (I would have never thought that color would be so professional!) and a belt that I am in love with. Yes, both are thrifted. Please, I just want to get back to my thrift stores, ok?

Enjoy, drool over the pretty pictures, and then get back to your 30 items to finish this challenge!

Sixteen Ounces to a Pound

2010-11-21T15:14:00.000-08:00

It is SNOWING here in Big City, and I am both excited and apprehensive about what this means for the rest of the winter. Excited because snow=awesome, duh. And apprehensive because we usually get snow only for one or two days in January, so this is very foreboding for our winter...but at least this will give me ample opportunity to bulk up my layering skills before Mr. P and I take off abroad next year! :D

Tights: Target
Skirt: H&M via Plato's Closet
Sweater: Gap via Goodwill
Wrap: Chico's
Scarf: from a street market in Kiev, Ukraine
Boots: Steve Madden

I also have a POLL for everyone to vote on! I have a few different ideas for the next big feature (interview, tutorial, etc) here on Developing Style and I wanted to know what YOU would like me to do first! Please vote and I will announce the winner in one week on Sunday the 28th.

What should the next feature on Developing Style be?survey software

What I Run In

2010-11-20T16:52:00.001-08:00

I didn't count any of my running clothes in my 30 items, so I thought I would show you what I wear when I go running. WARNING: I run through mud, on trails, in the cold. This is a function trumps all situation, and not the usual union of form and function that I so enjoy.

What do you exercise in? Do you try to look cute, or do all attempts at being fashionable go out the window?

Pants: Goodwill, plus I'm wearing Underarmour underneath
Shirt: Underarmour
Zip-up: Marmot
Jacket: Outdoor Research
Gloves: Gift
Hat: Goodwill
Shoes: Vibram

And what am I propping my camera on, with the lack of benches/tables/etc in the forest?

Yesterday I bought a Gorillapod--a bendy tripod that also has magnets in the 'feet.' I have had fun sticking it to pretty much everything around me (inside of car roof, refrigerator, tree branches, doorknobs) and I also used it for my outfit photo today (by sticking it to a street sign). It's going to be an epic friendship, I can already tell! (I had to draw the camera on, since I was using the camera to take the picture!)

If you guys are interested, I might do a review of it--how it holds, what it can hold on to, what it can't, if it's useful everyday.

Fifteen Past the Hour

2010-11-20T11:50:00.000-08:00

I bought this bright green scarf the same time I bought this purple one, and while this green one doesn't fit so perfectly in my color scheme I still love having it in my arsenal. When I am tired of wearing the same colors I always do (see: cranberry, purple, neutrals, teal, zippy red color) I pull out this scarf for a different look. The pink and purple in the scarf tie into some key pieces in the rest of my wardrobe, but the dominant color scheme is different and gives me a dose of new color without having to coordinate a new piece of clothing into my existing wardrobe. It's a win/win/win situation for me. :)

Do you have any pieces that you reach for to break out of your color routine?
Am I insane for thinking that this is so different from the rest of my wardrobe (my senses may have been dulled by prolonged exposure to burgundy...)?
Is it obvious that I am absolutely freezing in the last photo (but was determined to get a shot without my wrap)?

Dress: Martin & Osa via Goodwill
Wrap: Chico's
Scarf: Unknown via Goodwill
Tights: Hue
Boots: Steve Madden

Fourteen in a Fortnight

2010-11-19T18:17:00.001-08:00

After wearing jeans yesterday, I felt compelled to wear a 'high-energy' pretty outfit today. I broke out these boots for the first time in this challenge and took another item off my 'I put it in my 30 items but still haven't worn it' list. I love these boots, and theoretically they are versatile (brown knee-high boots that fit), but when you put them into practice they take a bit more doing. Of course, they passed my Four Ways to Wear test (see: Episode 10), so they can't be all that bad. :)

Tip of the Day: Since it's been freezing over here, I have been layering like crazy. To keep all of my layers from moving around, I tuck them all into my tights and they stay put! Here, I have a long-sleeve base layer shirt, a pink silk shirt, and my cardigan all tucked into my tights (with my underarmour underneath it all!). I didn't have to worry about anything sliding around on me all day!

Base gray long-sleeve shirt: Gap via Plato's Closet
Pink shirt: Banana Republic via BR Outlet
Cardigan: Unknown via Goodwill donation pile
Skirt: Brass Plum via Goodwill
Base layer on legs: Underarmour
Top layer on legs: tights by Hue via Plato's Closet
Boots: Giusti via Goodwill

Lucky Number Thirteen

2010-11-18T19:13:00.000-08:00

Today I chose to wear pants for a variety of reasons, but mainly because I wanted a low-energy outfit and we've seen how pants are that solution for me. However, after work I had to run an errand downtown and I felt...less stylish, especially compared to all the sharply dressed people around me. Of course, it didn't help that I ducked into Anthropologie to check out the new clothing--just to look! ;) The sales staff there are always so well-dressed, they make me feel self-conscious!

Anyways, I thought it was interesting how different I feel when in pants as compared to when I wear dresses or skirts. I definitely feel more stylish and fashionable when wearing a skirt, and I'm wondering why that is. Is it because, to me, pants signify less effort being put into an outfit (although we all know that throwing on a dress is really the ultimate in no-effort chic)? Is it because society sees dresses and skirts as being more dressed up, so I feel more fashionable? Is it because skirts are now rather uncommon, so I feel special when I wear one, like I've made a conscious decision to be different? Hmmm...I have no answers, only questions.

What do you guys think? Why do you choose to wear/not wear skirts?
Is there anything you wear that makes you feel extra fashionable?

Jeans: Martin & Osa via Goodwill
Boots: Capelli via Goodwill
Sweater: Gap via Goodwill
Cardigan: Self-made from a Goodwill find
Scarf: Unknown via Goodwill
Belt: Unknown via Goodwill
We knew the day would come...EVERYTHING I am wearing came from the Goodwill. I'm pretty much awesome. :D

The Clock Strikes Twelve

2010-11-17T18:16:00.000-08:00

Whenever I wear this soft peach sweater, I always feel more feminine and pretty. I think it's the soft color, the loose fit, and the flattering neckline. I also find myself seeking out this sweater when I want to look pretty, and it ends up forming a self-sustaining loop of prettiness (the best kind of loop!). I find that I usually select my clothing as a reaction to what I'm feeling--if I'm feeling upset or nervous, I choose extremely structured clothing (to act as armour, or an exoskeleton!), if I'm feeling happy I tend to be more adventurous in wearing items that make me happy, if I'm tired I wear many soft layers in muted colors. Less often do I choose my clothing to incite the mood I am yearning for. Usually this happens when I am tired, but I choose a flirty dress for going out in the hopes that it will rejuvinate me.

I am also trying to make a conscious effort to use all of my 30 items--here I am using my black H&M blazer. I bought this blazer when I was in High School, on my first trip to France. I purchased it to wear under hoodies and zip-ups, and it has been a constant staple in my wardrobe even as the sweatshirts have given way to cardigans. It is a bit boxy, but I like that it can be both formal and casual (a decent material, nothing shiny, no exposed seams, everything is clean), and the curved hem is ever-so-slightly feminine. This is the epitome of what I strive for in my wardrobe--an item that I spent a bit more money on, but has endured in my wardrobe for SIX YEARS (!!!) now and is an everyday staple.

Do you have any staples that have stayed with you throughout style transformations?
How do your clothing choices reflect and reflect upon your mood?

You can't tell, but it's raining like crazy in this picture! This photo shoot was super quick, with my camera being protected by my umbrella balanced above it!

Coat: Jenifer via France
Jacket: H&M
Shirt: J. Crew via Goodwill
Necklace: Spotted Moth via Giveaway!
Pants: The Merlot via Plato's Closet
Shoes: Naturalizer via Goodwill
Camisole: Shimera (I am usually wearing a camisole, but I only list it when you can see it in the outfit--here it is adding much-needed length to this sweater!)

Eleventh Hour

2010-11-16T20:18:00.000-08:00

After my revelation yesterday that I had yet to wear 25% of my 30 items, I decided to build today's outfit around this lovely Orchid silk Martin & Osa dress. Usually when I build an outfit I choose one item to build it around, whether it be a pretty dress, a comfy pair of shoes or a piece of sparkly jewelry. I tend to quickly fall into style ruts--you will notice that I have worn my neutral cardigan approximately EVERY SINGLE DAY since I bought it, and ever since I have started pairing black and brown together that has been my failsafe color combination (with pops of red, of course).

I try to challenge myself to put together new combinations to avoid falling into a repetition merely out of a lack of awareness. The point that I am wrestling with is how to avoid falling into mundane repetition while still safegaurding my own sense of style. I am playing around with branching out my basic 'uniforms,' while keeping a sense of 'me' in all of my outfits. To this end, I am trying to only incorporate what I truly love into my wardrobe, but it's hard--I love so many different things! I think that keeping a general color scheme will also help me here.

Do you consciously put together your wardrobe to convey a certain feeling?
Do you have more than one basic 'uniform'? What (if anything) links them together?
Do you find yourself repeating many outfits you have already done? Do you try to avoid this, or do you actively embrace this repetition?

Dress (worn as shirt): Martin & Osa via Goodwill
Long sleeved shirt (base layer): gray, Gap via Plato's Closet
Skirt: Brass Plum via Goodwill
Tights: Target
Shoes: Naturalizer
Sweater: Self-made
Scarf: Unknown via Goodwill
Coat: Jenifer via France

One Third Review

2010-11-15T19:58:00.001-08:00

I am one third of the way through my very first 30 for 30...let's take a look BEHIND THE SCENES (oooh, aaah) at how I've been doing.

The item I have worn the MOST OFTEN: My black Steve Madden boots. Really, no one can be surprised by this.
The item I have worn SECOND MOST OFTEN: My new black and brown cardigan--this is most likely because a. It's relatively new, and b. It's warm and the weather is super chilly.

The items I HAVE NOT YET WORN (shock and horror):
1. My brown Giusti boots (mainly due to the vast amounts of rain, and my reluctance to wear new leather and suede boots out in said rain).
2. Tan Trench H&M skirt: this is a weekend/evening only skirt (not work-appropriate due to the shortness) and so it's remixability is limited. *sniff* I hope to wear it in the weekends left to me, however!
3. Blue Language Los Angeles shirt and
4. Pinstriped 6 Degrees Button-down shirt:both of these are short sleeved and I just haven't gotten around to wearing them yet.
5. Orchid Martin & Osa silk dress: how? I don't know. MUST WEAR!
6. Black H&M blazer: I had to do a double take for this one. Weird. This must be due to my recent love-affair with my black and brown cardigan. Note to self: Spread love around!
7. Grey Gap long-sleeve shirt: I grabbed this mainly as a layering piece and have found myself reaching for my black Kiabi long-sleeve more often because it's thicker and fits better. Hey, the truth hurts grey gap long-sleeve shirt!
8. Black Tricot Jolie knit shirt: it's short sleeve and I'm cold. I sense a trend...

Well, there you have it--out of 30 items, over 25% of them I have not worn yet! For shame! Although I will say that almost all of them have not been worn because they are NOT APPROPRIATE FOR THE WEATHER. I need warmer clothing. Or to gain a layer of blubber like a walrus. Note to self...

I think my favorite outfit is either number 6 (I love how soft everything looks!) or number 2. My least favorite is definitely number 3--it doesn't have anything special or fun about it. I was trying to go for geeky pretty, but just achieved awkward. Oh well, live and learn! :) I enjoy compiling all of my pictures together like this, I can really see my overall trends. For example, I didn't notice how I almost always wear black shoes! Also, it's obvious how I love my neutrals with pops of red (and occasionally teal, or a dark neutral-y purple).

What outfits do you enjoy the most? Which ones do you think I could improve on, and how? Have you noticed any trends in your wardrobe? Finally, am I the only one who has items she hasn't yet worn in this 30 for 30 challenge?

Ten Fingers

2010-11-15T15:48:00.000-08:00

The one part of my blog I have been trying to improve has been the photography. I have been scouting out new locations to no avail--my requirements were strict and exacting! I finally decided to try out this location. It is half way between work and home, so I can stop by to take photos after work, it is easily accessible, and it is filled with grass, trees and various woodland critters (what, it was on my list!).

Today was a windy day--I think I am holding my scarf to prevent it from flying away in almost all of the photos! I ended up leaving work early today and this is my break before I start at-home work. (the benefit for doing my at-home work right now is that I can take my pain pills, since I won't be driving anywhere! heehee)

Where do you take your blog photos at? Do you have any tips for finding a great location? Or do you change locations frequently?

On a more superficial note, what do you think about these tights? I like that they're a break from burgundy...but I wish they were a little more forest green and a little less bright blue!

I love my watch!

Cardigan: Unknown via Goodwill donation pile
Shirt: The Loft via Plato's Closet
Skirt: I.N.C. via Goodwill
Tights: Hue via Plato's Closet
Boots: Capelli via Goodwill
Coat: Jenifer via France
Scarf: Self-made (this is fast becoming my favorite snuggly scarf!)

Nine Lives

2010-11-14T13:24:00.000-08:00

I decided to drag myself out of bed and sweatpants into my equally-comfy-but-much-more-like-a-real-person-feeling sweater dress and tights. Ta-daaah!

Do you ever use clothing to change how you are feeling? Or does your clothing merely reflect what is already there? I notice that I tend to do both....
What kind of outfit do you throw on when you are under the weather? Is it sweatpants all the way, or do you have an alternative?

Sweater dress: Rhapsody via Ross
Cardigan: Goodwill find, altered by me
Tights: F21, gift
Long sleeved shirt: Kiabi from France
Scarf: Self-made
Boots: Steve Madden

Four Ways To Wear Episode 13: Orange Tweed Skirt

2010-11-14T12:52:00.000-08:00

Now, don't worry--I haven't breached my 30 for 30 No(shopping)vember! However, in the spirit of working within my wardrobe, I decided to do a bit of sewing to turn a skirt I don't wear very much into one that fits my wardrobe better. This is not one of my thirty items, so you won't see this skirt again on my blog until December, but I decided to do a Four Ways To Wear episode amid my thirty remix challenge! (If I am not making much sense, it is because I am hopped up on strong pain killers--sorry!)

If you want to see the before, I wore it here. I enjoyed the color and the tweedy material, but the length was a bit too long, the lining was coming undone, and it felt a bit boxy to me. So I snipped, pinned, and sewed, and here it is! (If you were wondering, this skirt was the result of the inspiration from Orchid Grey--I love the silhouette of her skirt in that picture!)

The Candidate: An altered orange tweed skirt.

The Goal: A cute, professional skirt that will add a fun color twist to some of my basic outfits.

The Results:

Skirt: Vintage via Goodwill, altered by me
Sweater: Unknown via Goodwill donation pile
Shirt: Loft via Plato's Closet
Tights: Hue via Plato's Closet
Boots: Steve Madden
Belt: Unknown via Goodwill

Skirt: Vintage via Goodwill, altered by me
Sweater: 22 via The Rack
Long sleeved shirt: Kiabi via France
Tights: Hue
Shoes: Naturalizer via Goodwill

Skirt: Vintage via Goodwill, altered by me
Sweater: Goodwill find, altered by me
Shirt: Kiabi via France
Necklace: Vintage via Goodwill Outlet
Tights: Hue
Shoes: Merona, gift

Skirt: Vintage via Goodwill, altered by me
Long sleeved shirt: Kiabi via France
Cowl-necked sweaterdress (worn as shirt): Rhapsody via Ross
Tights: F21, gift
Boots: Giusti via Goodwill

The Verdict: I like this silhouette and shape much better than before. I'm still not enamored with the color--is it too much of a blue-hued orange? I think that might be it. However, hopefully I will get more wear out of it this way than I did before (when I wore it once in the past six months!).

Do you alter your clothing at all, or even do any of your own alterations? What do you think about the alterations that I did--successful or meh? Finally, do you agree with me about the color being not quite right, or am I too drugged up on pain meds to accurately judge the skirt? ;)

Wish List

2010-11-13T19:15:00.000-08:00

Well, I'm almost a third of the way through my 30 for 30 (damn you, wisdom teeth removal! I could be farther!) and my wish list for when this is over is already becoming clear.

1. Patterned tights (and gray tights--both of my gray pairs are literally falling apart because I wear them so often!)

2. Some sort of casual skirt for weekend-wear

3. Plaid flannel fitted long sleeved button-down

4. Thick cozy sweater--Requirement: wool! The brown and black one that I recently got is great...but it's synthetic. I should have waited for the perfect one, but it was decent and I really wanted a heavier cardigan for my 30 items. You would think that I would have learned by now...

Link-spiration!

2010-11-13T17:50:00.000-08:00

(I'm so punny, har har har...)

I have entered back into the land of the living and coherent! My surgery went well, thank you for all the well-wishes! I will be taking the next few days easy, but am now excited to see how everyone has been doing on their 30 for 30s since I've been out.

Maybe it's the chilly weather, or the fact that I haven't been feeling super well, but lately I've been craving warm, cozy and easy ensembles. Here are some links that have been particularly inspiring to me lately!

Secrets of French Girls--This is an intriguing, in-depth article about how French women dress as compared to American women. It echoes many of the sentiments I have been trying to steer my personal style towards--having a few, high quality pieces of clothing rather than over-consuming cheap pieces.

Fyndigt--This Swedish blogger is super cute and has a fun, relaxed style that I love. I enjoy how, when looking through her blog, it is obvious that her wardrobe isn't huge but she is still very fashionable and comes up with many different outfits from what she has.

Daily Fashion Boost--This is another adorable blogger from the Netherlands. I am in love with her subdued, but still fun, color palette. I also love how she exudes girlishness, but isn't over-the-top--she has a great balance in her outfits.

Orchid Grey--This is one of my favorite blog sites that I check constantly. I love how she puts together looks that are relaxed, feminine, but with her own distinctive touch. I especially love this look that she did--the skirt plus the hat are just perfect! The skirt actually inspired a recent sewing project that I will show everyone this upcoming week!

Clearly Classic--A fellow 30 for 30 participant that I found recently, I love her use of fun tights in this post to spice up an outfit! She is definitely the inspiration for putting several pairs of tights in my wish list...

Style vs Fashion vs Fads

2010-11-13T07:00:00.000-08:00

Alright, so today I have most likely progressed to this stage:

(mostly unaware of what's happening in the world, but still fully aware that something is not right!)

(If you have no idea what I am talking about, I had my wisdom teeth removed on Friday and I am NOT a happy camper. These posts are pre-planned while I become a self-pitying blob of painful unhappiness)

So it’s time for me to bring up the concept of fashionable verses trendy verses stylish. It seems to me that the word ‘trendy’ has fallen out of fashion (haha, pun intended!). ‘Trendy,’ for me, signifies someone who has no personal image to express to the world, but instead lets the fashion industry dictate what she will be wearing. (I say she, but this could also apply to men as well—I just see it more obviously in women, and have more experience with it as it applies to women) After five years she will have an entire new wardrobe and it may be completely unrelated to the wardrobe she had five years prior.

On the other extreme, for me ‘style’ implies that the woman is extremely aware of the image she is presenting to the world and she refuses to change her style in acknowledgment of the passing fads. Five years may pass and she may still be wearing the same type of clothing, but out of love of the style, not out of a lack of self-awareness.

I see fashionable as being in the middle—having a strong opinion about her personal style, while still bending with the popular styles of the season. In five years, her style will change, but it will still be recognizable as having her unique stamp.

Do you agree with me in the way that I’ve defined trendy, fashionable and stylish? Or do you think I’m completely off the mark?

Do you identify yourself as one of the three?

Fashion Rules in Magazines

2010-11-12T07:00:00.000-08:00

Well, about now my post-surgery face probably looks something like this:

And the inside of my poor, pain-killer drugged out brain probably looks close to this:

So let’s talk fashion rules and the blogging community!

But first, gentle viewers, let’s travel back to last Sunday, when I was impatiently waiting at my favorite chicken teriyaki take-out restaurant for my order to come up. I grabbed one of the new magazines and absent mindedly paged through it, wanting to see if any of my personal fashion likes ended up in the ‘popular for fall’ section (which, of course, signals for a time to stock up!). However, I was dismayed and angered at the Guide for Weekend Wear section. Mincing no words, the author dictated that neither dresses nor skirts were appropriate for the weekend. Only skinny jeans (but not too skinny!), sweaters and either a long necklace or a scarf were appropriate choices. Wow, so I get to express my individual style in choosing either a necklace (within reason) or a scarf (long and drapey—knitted scarves were not permitted!).

Admittedly, I do not read magazines very often, so I can’t be sure that this isn’t de rigueur for an article. However, I’m not completely out of touch with pop-culture. Aren’t we supposed to be glorifying individual style? Accepting a variety of looks (as long as they conform to the ideal body type—but that’s a completely different discussion, for a different time!) for women and men to display? Am I being naïve in thinking that this article was completely out of line? I definitely see a more accepting viewpoint in the blogging community, with a greater emphasis on developing a recognizable personal style rather than following the dictations of a higher fashion power.

What do you think?

Figure Eight

2010-11-12T06:43:00.000-08:00

Yesterday was an in-service day for me at school, so I opted for jeans and this awesome, snuggly, throw-it-on cardigan wrap from Chico's that I am in love with. Add in a scarf and my leopard print flats for a pop, and here you go! I would have loved for the easiness of my tennis shoes today...but leopard flats worked fine and added a bit of fun.

I also have an ANNOUNCEMENT: I will be getting my wisdom teeth out on Friday November 12th. (unhappiness, right?) I have prepared several posts, one per day, so that there is not a break in posting. However, don't be dismayed if I am not responding to the comments like I usually do! I will respond if I can, but I fully expect to be woozy/sick/sleeping for most of the weekend.

Do you have a favorite casual work day outfit? For the other 30 for 30 remixers, are there any items you now wish you had included in your 30?

Wrap: Chico's
Scarf: I bought it from a street market in Kiev, Ukraine
Pants: Martin & Osa via Goodwill
Shoes: Naturalizer
Shirt (you can't actually see it): Banana Republic via Goodwill

Seventh Heaven

2010-11-10T18:14:00.000-08:00

Today I had to return some stuff to the Goodwill (a few items that didn't even make it to Four Ways To Wear status, that's how bad they were. Why did I buy them? My brain overheated? It's a mystery) and it was a test of my willpower to not browse all of the new items. But I did it! First I tricked myself into thinking that I would look but not buy...and then I YANKED the rug out from under me and kept walking towards the exit after my return went through. I'm a tricky fiend...

Sweater Jacket: 22 via The Rack
Longsleeve Shirt: Kiabi from France
Skirt: Preview Collection via Goodwill
Tights (gray, outer layer): Hue
Tights (brown, inner layer): Target
Shoes: Naturalizer via Goodwill
Scarf: Goodwill

Roll A Six

2010-11-09T17:09:00.000-08:00

Busting out the leopard print flats, you know I mean business! I have been wearing skirts lately and wanted a low-energy break in the form of these corduroy pants. The purple sweater underneath added warmth, the blazer added professionalism, and the flats added fun.

Do you have any items you add for a dose of fancy to your regular outfits?
What kinds of items spell low-energy for you?

Blazer: AE via Plato's Closet
Sweater: Gap via Goodwill
Pants: Le Merlot via Plato's Closet
Flats: Naturalizer

Five by Five!

2010-11-08T17:41:00.000-08:00

Eliza Dushku fans? No? *crickets* AHEM. With this outfit, I really wanted to wear my leopard print flats, but I hurt my feet when I ran too far last weekend and those flats rub my feet the wrong way (literally!). I think that the boots are too heavy-feeling for this outfit, but oh well, life goes on. :)

Boots: Steve Madden
Tights: Hue via Plato's Closet
Let's just always assume I'm wearing underarmour, yes?
Skirt: Brass Plum via Goodwill
Shirt: J. Crew via Goodwill
Sweater: Self-made via Goodwill find
Necklace: Spotted Moth, giveaway prize

Four Better Or Worse...

2010-11-07T15:55:00.000-08:00

I'm not sure if I'm allowed to post more than one outfit per day for the 30 for 30...but oh well, call me a cheater. ^-^ I have a meet-and-greet tonight for work and needed something that wasn't too formal, but was nice and appropriate. I also chose to include several layers, since the event will be taking place in a drafty gymnasium.

Purple Sweater: Gap via Goodwill
Cardigan: Unknown via Goodwill donation pile
Belt: Unknown via Goodwill
Skirt: Preview Collection via Goodwill
Leggings (base layer): Underarmour
Tights (top layer):F21, gift
Boots: Steve Madden

Three For The Charm

2010-11-07T15:52:00.000-08:00

I ended up just throwing on some clothes from my 30 stack this morning for running errands. It's not the most endearing outfit, or even the most 'outfit-y' outfit, but it worked for a casual morning!

Shirt: Banana Republic via BR Outlet
Sweater: Self-made
Pants: Martin & Osa via Goodwill
Shoes: Naturalizer via Goodwill

Two Much Rain

2010-11-06T10:04:00.000-07:00

Well, the weather drastically turned overnight, from Sunshine McSunnyson to Rainy Gloomy Coldberg. So, I took the liberty of swapping out my Champion Tennis Shoes for my (relatively) new black Capelli rainboots (via Goodwill, as usual) in my 30 items of clothing. Kendi said coats didn't count because she didn't want to penalize us for weather differences, and I briefly thought that might apply to rainboots as well, but let's face it--if it's raining all November, then I will be living in these rainboots all November, and that should count as one of my pairs of shoes.

When building this outfit today, I thought to myself 'self, today let's aim for warm and comfy.' Inclement weather always provokes me into wearing massive amounts of layers and forgoing my jeans, which I find to be not as comfy as wearing leggings and a dress made out of sweater material.

Believe it or not, but I am wearing three layers on bottom AND three layers on top here. Secret weapon, ka-ching!

Boots: Capelli via Goodwill (purchased the night before my 30 for 30, thank you very much!)
Leggings (base layer): Underarmour
Tights (middle layer): F21, gift
Tights (outer layer): Lacey tights from F21
Longsleeve shirt (base layer): Kiabi via France
Sweater dress (middle layer): Rhapsody via Ross
Sweater-coat (outer layer): 22 via The Rack

One by One

2010-11-05T17:40:00.000-07:00

First day of my thirty for thirty was easy peasy! It was fun knowing that I only had a few items to choose between--we'll see if that feeling lasts throughout the month. It is also my first day wearing this new sweater I made, which I looove! No need for a Four Ways To Wear for this one, it's a shoe-in. This is also one of the first days wearing this pink shirt that I bought ages ago--it's cute, but slightly too formal for everyday and slightly too short to be worn with pants, so it's a finicky one. However, with this sweater you can't tell that the shirt is too short and the jeans tone down the formality!

Have you had to deal with having a reduced wardrobe (such as traveling, vacations, your own 30 for 30)? Any tips?
Do you have any super finicky pieces of clothing that are just hard to wear? What do you do with them to make them more wearable?

Shirt: Banana Republic via BR Outlet
Sweater: Self-made from Goodwill find
Jeans: Martin & Osa
Boots: Steve Madden

30 Items, Neat In A Row...

2010-11-05T07:00:00.000-07:00

Well, I destroyed my closet in choosing these thirty items, but here they are! (Now to just put everything back in order...goodbye, all other items not on my list!) There aren't too many surprises on this list--my wardrobe isn't huge anyways, so you will already see many of these items on a regular basis! I am pretty stoked about not having to include my winter coats, since those would have non-negotiably been on my list, taking up precious spots that could have been otherwise occupied!

Looking at my list, there are only a few holes that I see, and these holes are pretty much in my regular wardrobe as well. For example, a cute but comfy relaxing skirt that is fairly short (demanding little thing, aren't I?). I just filled one of the gaps I previously had--a thicker cardigan. I found an XL men's sweater with a great print that was in decent condition at the Goodwill, and I took it apart and then cut it down to fit me. I LOVE the longer length (it's a pet peeve of mine when my cardigans ride up) and the not-so-girly look to it. Pictures to come when it is light outside!

Five Pairs of Shoes
1. Black Steve Madden Boots (Nordstrom)
2. Brown Giusti Boots (Goodwill)
3. Leopard Naturalizer Flats (Naturalizer Outlet)
4. Black Oxford Naturalizer Flats (Goodwill)
5. Black Capelli Rainboots (Goodwill)

Four Skirts
6. Tan Trench H&M Skirt (Plato's Closet)
7. Black Brass Plum Pencil Skirt (Goodwill)
8. Brown Preview Collection Pencil Skirt (Goodwill)
9. Brown I.N.C. Full Skirt (Goodwill)

Two Pairs of Pants
10. Martin & Osa Dark Wash Jeans (Goodwill)
11. Navy-colored The Merlot Cords (Plato's Closet)

Five Short-Sleeved Shirts (man, that's a lot considering how I'm always cold!)
12. Gray Banana Republic Shirt (BR Outlet)
13. Blue Los Angeles Collection Shirt (Plato's Closet)
14. Pink Banana Republic Shirt (BR Outlet)
15. Black Banana Republic Shirt (Goodwill)
16. Patterned The Loft Shirt (Plato's Closet)

Two Dresses
17. Orchid Martin & Osa Silk Dress (Goodwill)
18. Black Rhapsody Sweater Dress (Ross)

Six Layering Pieces
19. Houndstooth AE Blazer (Plato's Closet)
20. Red 22 Sweater-Jacket (The Rack)
21. Black H&M Blazer (H&M in France)
22. Black Chico's Wrap (Chico's clearance sale)
23. Gray Unknown Brand Cardigan (Goodwill donation pile)
24. Black and Brown Sweater (self-made from awesome XL Grandpa sweater from the Goodwill)

Five Warmer Shirts (long-sleeve and/or knit)
25. Underarmour Long-sleeve Shirt (Goodwill, modified by me)
26. Black Kiabi Long-sleeve Shirt (Kiabi in France)
27. Gray Gap Long-sleeve Shirt (Plato's Closet)
28. Black Tricot Jolie Knit Shirt (Plato's Closet)
29. Peach J. Crew Sweater (Goodwill)
30. Purple Gap Long-sleeve Sweater (Goodwill)

Don't know what the rules are, or what I'm talking about? Check out Kendi's 30 for 30 info page!

EDITED: I switched out my brown Champion tennis shoes for black Capelli rainboots on Day 2--the weather switched on a dime and it's pouring over here!
EDITED AGAIN: I switched out a short sleeve shirt for my Underarmour layering shirt due to crazy amounts of unpredicted snow!

I am not an early bird to this worm party...

2010-11-04T22:32:00.000-07:00

If I was planning better, I would have worn something not included in my thirty items for the 30 for 30 this month...but I was definitely not that put together. I'm not going to cheat and say I started today, but there's no guarantee you won't see a repeat outfit once or twice this month. ;)

Skirt: I.N.C via Goodwill
Shirt: Banana Republic via Goodwill
Blazer: AE via Plato's Closet
Tights: Target
Shoes: Naturalizer via Goodwill

Remember To Repeat

2010-11-04T07:11:00.000-07:00

I will be participating in Kendi's 30 for 30 challenge this month! I will be listing all of my thirty items tomorrow and officially starting my remix on SATURDAY. Mark your calenders ladies, it's going to be exciting!

Repeat To Remember

2010-11-03T07:31:00.001-07:00

I woke up, wanted to wear my new boots, and promptly put together the same outfit from one of my four ways to wear. Nothing groundbreaking here, but I enjoyed it all the same!

Also--my posture is abysmal in this photo! I promise, I'm usually not quite this bad. Do you ever notice something looks different than you thought when you look at photos of yourself?

Boots: Guisti via Goodwill
Tights: Hue via Plato's Closet
Skirt: Brass Plum via Goodwill
Shirt: Toomi via Goodwill Outlet
Sweater: Unknown via Goodwill donation pile
Scarf: Self-made

Four Ways To Wear Episode 12: Black Silk Shirt

2010-11-02T11:00:00.000-07:00

Whenever I see something by Banana Republic at the Goodwill, a little bell goes off in my head. On the whole, I love BR items more than is usual for any particular brand. Of course, at the Goodwill I can find a whole variety of non-flattering BR items, but still--every once and again I find something like this. I found this silk/viscose blend shirt and it jumped from the rack into my hand before I had realized what had happened. I tried it on and it was perfection. I tried to rationalize--Plummy, how many black shirts do you have? Plummy, what about trying other, non-black and non-gray neutrals? But it was all for naught as I decided that this shirt had to belong to meeee! I'm glad I did decide to take it home--it will replace one of my other black shirts, which I rarely wear anymore because it is looking a bit worse for wear. Anyways, enough blabbing, you want the goods! Here is my Four Ways To Wear for this shirt!

The Candidate: A black BR shirt I found at the Goodwill.

The Goal: A long-lasting, high quality black shirt that will be able to skew both casual and professional.

The Results:

Shirt: BR via Goodwill
Pants: Martin & Osa via Goodwill
Shoes: Naturalizer via Goodwill

Shirt: BR via Goodwill
Long-sleeved shirt: Kiabi shirt from France
Skirt: I.N.C. via Goodwill
Scarf: Goodwill
Tights: Hue (sadly ripped and rarely worn now)
Boots: Steve Madden

Shirt: BR via Goodwill
Long-sleeved shirt: Kiabi shirt from France
Skirt: H&M via Plato's Closet
Scarf: Gift
Tights: Hue (sadly ripped and rarely worn now)
Boots: Steve Madden

Shirt: BR via Goodwill
Long-sleeved shirt: Kiabi shirt from France
Dress worn as Skirt: Forever 21
Tights: Hue (sadly ripped and rarely worn now)
Boots: Steve Madden

The Verdict: It's black. It's silk. It's Banana Republic. Of course I am in love!

Four Ways To Wear Episode 11: Nude Sweater

2010-11-01T11:00:00.000-07:00

The Candidate: Nudey-peachy-colored J. Crew knit sweater that I found at the Goodwill.

The Goal: A nice, neutral nude sweater that won't make me looked washed out (as most do).

The Results:

Sweater: J. Crew via Goodwill
Camisole: Shimera
Pants: Martin & Osa via Goodwill
Boots: Giusti via Goodwill (yup, this shirt even goes with my new boots!)

Sweater: J. Crew via Goodwill
Camisole: Shimera
Cardigan: Unknown, via Goodwill donation pile
Pants: Martin & Osa via Goodwill
Shoes: Naturalizer
Necklace: Spotted Moth via a giveaway

Sweater: J. Crew via Goodwill
Camisole: Shimera
Scarf: Goodwill donation pile
Skirt: I.N.C. via Goodwill
Tights: F21, gift
Shoes: Naturalizer via Goodwill

Sweater: H&M via Goodwill
Sweater: J. Crew via Goodwill
Belt: Unknown via Goodwill
Pants: Martin & Osa via Goodwill
Shoes: Naturalizer

The Verdict: I love the sweet pale coral color and the scoop neckline. I wish it was a bit longer, but it goes well with my camisole and looks cute with both skirts and jeans. It also isn't so short that the length is a problem. I do think it's funny that even though I am always cold, I gravitate towards sweaters with 3/4 and 1/2 sleeves.

Four Ways To Wear Episode 10: Cognac-Colored Boots

2010-10-31T20:50:00.000-07:00

The Candidate: Brown Giusti leather and suede knee-high boots that I found at the Goodwill for $20. Of course, they were a size 5 1/2 (I'm a 7 1/2) but that didn't stop me!

The Goal: A pair of versatile brown boots

The Results:

I went out to dinner last night with family and this is what I wore!
Boots: Giusti via Goodwill
Tights: Hue via Plato's Closet
Sweater dress: Ross

These boots are so high, I feel like they need to be toned down for work--this was my attempt.
Boots: Giusti via Goodwill
Tights: Hue via Plato's Closet
Skirt: Brass Plum via Goodwill
Shirt: Toomi via Goodwill Outlet
Scarf: Self-made

Boots: Giusti via Goodwill
Pants: Martin & Osa via Goodwill
Jacket: AE via Plato's Closet

These pants are almost too wide for the boots! I need some ultra skinnies to wear with these boots properly...dare I say it? JEGGINGS?
Boots: Giusti via Goodwill
Pants: Martin & Osa via Goodwill
Scarf: From a market in the Ukraine
Long-sleeved shirt: Gap via Plato's Closet
Sweater: One Clothing via Ross

The Verdict: I was sold from the moment I tried these suckers on and they ACTUALLY FIT MY CALVES. The ONLY pair that has ever done that! Plus, I Googled Giusti and found that apparently they make high quality shoes and their boots retail for between 300-600$. Done and done. The only thing that I don't like about them is that the suede attracts dirt like a magnet! I have tried brushing them and waterproofing them, and we'll see how long they look nice for...However, for how they are right now, I am pleased. Cute with skirts and pants (albeit only super skinny ones), good for work and relaxing, and they are in my color palette! Score!

Tutorial for Stretching Out Shoes (leather AND synthetic)

2010-10-31T20:29:00.000-07:00

As promised, here are photos of my leather boots I found at the Goodwill! It only took perseverance, time, and several pairs of thick socks to stretch them out to fit me.

Actually, here's a SUPER EASY TUTORIAL for STRETCHING OUT SHOES TO FIT
I've done this four times, on both leather and synthetic shoes, and it worked like a charm every time.

Step 1: Find uber-cute shoes at an awesome price...only to see that they are too small. NEVER FEAR! Proceed to Step 2 (but be forewarned that the most I've had this work was a full size too small...not to say it wouldn't work for more, just that it hasn't been tested!)

Step 2: Bring said shoes home, ogle at how pretty they are, and put them on...while wearing thin cotton socks. They will be tight. Wear them around the house, and try not to walk too much because it will be painful. I wear mine when I'm studying, reading or on the computer (which, let's face it, is 99% of my life). However! Don't hurt your feet. You still have more steps to go. I usually do this step in several half hour increments per day, and I always check at the end of the day how the shoe fits with my bare feet (or in the socks I would wear the shoes with) to make sure I don't stretch out the shoes too far.

Step 3: The next day, repeat Step 2...only while wearing two pairs of thin cotton socks. It will be VERY TIGHT. Never fear. If you can't wedge your feet in, then repeat Step 2 until you can get to Step 3.

Step 4: This day, use WOOL SOCKS. Then perhaps wool socks layered on top of cotton socks.

Step 5: If you are still not seeing the progress you like, or if it's down to crunch time, then I have worn wool socks, with the shoes, in the shower. It's like you think I might be kidding...but I'm totally serious. This is for real y'all. (although I wouldn't do this with leather shoes, only synthetic) The socks absorb the water and expand, and the heat softens the synthetic material and makes it more susceptible to stretching. After your shower, take off the shoes and socks and stuff the shoes with a dry towel to prevent them from shrinking as they dry out and cool down. (true story, I've done this with formal high heel shoes--before, super tight and uncomfortable...after, comfy comfy comfy!)

Step 6: Enjoy your AWESOME newly comfortable shoes!

NOTE: Please stretch shoes at your own risk. I wouldn't try this on anything expensive!

October: A Month In Review

2010-10-30T11:12:00.000-07:00

With only one day left in the month, I think it's safe to do my Month In Review feature for October! If I go on a massive shopping expedition tomorrow, I'll be sure to make a note of it! ^-^

Brown Full Skirt

I am in love with this skirt. When I was looking back at what items to include in this month's review, I couldn't believe that I bought this skirt only this month! I wear it multiple times a week, with boots and with flats, and it's extremely versatile. This cost me $6 at the Goodwill and it's definitely worth it.

Orchid Silk Dress

I do love this $4 Goodwill find--it's currently my go-to comfy weekend dress. I think I will get more wear out of it in the Spring and Summer, just due to the color, but it meshes well with what I have in my wardrobe and I've already worn it at least five times this month.

Brightly Colored Lightweight Scarf

I haven't worn this scarf as much as the other pieces--I think twice so far this month--but that's to be expected. Temperatures have plummeted over here, and the light weight plus the bright colors tend towards Spring/Summer again. For a $4 Goodwill purchase though, I can play with incorporating it into my winter wardrobe!

Equestrian Scarf

I found this scarf recently for $6 at the Goodwill and I love it. I've worn it twice so far, but I've also only had it for about a week. It is one hundred percent silk, surprisingly warm, and I love the colors and patterns in it--the bright coral, the darker cranberry, the deep forest green. To me, it should be paired with heavy-knit socks, equestrian boots and a tweed coat.

Leather Knee-High Boots
No photo yet--these will be debuted on the blog soon! I found them at the Goodwill for $20, but they were much too small for me! However, since they are leather, I decided to buy them and try to stretch them out using my uber-technical process of wearing socks that are increasingly thick while wearing the boots around the house. They are almost a perfect fit now and I waterproofed them yesterday, so I should be wearing them within the next few days!

Vibram Five Finger Shoes

After wearing my old running shoes for over two and a half years, I definitely needed a new pair. I did a lot of research and decided to try out a pair of the Vibram Five Finger Toe Shoes (I have the KSO style, if anyone is interested). Mr. P has had a pair for months now and he loves them. I absolutely adore them--they make running a whole new type of experience. It is definitely taking time to get used to running in them--my stride is completely different, so different muscles are being used--but I have high hopes that they will help to correct some of my feet and ankle problems. Not a fashion purchase, but a fun addition to my closet none-the-less! These cost me a pretty penny--$80 at REI--but if they will help my running, then they will be worth it.

Conclusions
Once again, the number of items I bought was surprisingly on-task, while I blew past my money goal due to my running shoe purchase. Not including the running shoes, I spent $40 the whole month, plus another $40 on various undergarments that I am definitely not going to be showing on the blog (I'm also not including them in my item count-up). ^-^ It wasn't the most frugal of months, but I feel that I am getting fairly content with how my wardrobe is shaping up.

Work Appropriate Work Costume!

2010-10-29T19:47:00.000-07:00

At my school, everyone goes all out for Halloween--staff and students! I needed an easy, appropriate Halloween costume that would still be a full costume. No putting bunny ears on and calling it done for me! It was an easy choice to use my Slytherin scarf and tie for a HP-themed costume.

Does anyone else dress up for Halloween at work? Any other great ideas?

Hush you silly little Gryffindorks!

Skirt: BP via Goodwill
White Shirt: Unknown, Goodwill donation pile
Sweater: Unknown, Goodwill donation pile
Scarf and Tie: Allivans, gift
Blazer: H&M
Boots: Steve Madden
Tights: F21, gift
Snake Pin: Goodwill

Professor Sinistra was especially apt as today we took a field trip to a Planetarium to see the stars!

Wool you love me?

2010-10-28T21:40:00.000-07:00

Why yes, I HAVE busted out my wool winter coat. It's chilly over here and it is definitely wool season now!

(can you spot my camouflaged kitty?)

Coat: France
Scarf: Self-made
Pants: Martin & Osa via Goodwill
Shoes: Naturalizer via Goodwill
Blazer: H&M
Sweater: Gap via Goodwill

Ho-Hum Gray

2010-10-28T21:29:00.000-07:00

When I was in middle school, I had a gray knee-length sweater that tied around the waist that I wore every single day. In my mind, it was beautiful, went with everything, and was flattering on me. After wearing this sweater for what was most likely 365/365 days, I looked at a photograph of myself wearing it and had a revelation--this sweater looked grungy, not the elegant idea I had in my mind. Even more than that, it was unflattering to the extreme! As a middle schooler, I still wore the sweater after this moment (let's face it, I have never been Ms. Fashion Lady), but it gradually dropped out of my rotation.

This is vaguely how I feel about this gray sweater that I keep wearing. When I put it on, I feel pretty, carefree, and, since it's my only long-sleeved cardigan at the moment, warm. However, when I look at photos of myself in this cardigan, I usually think to myself, 'Plummy, that is not a flattering look on you. That old grandpa sweater isn't even that warm and it still manages to make you look like a log!' (My inner self is simultaneously nagging and brutally honest)

Do you have any items of clothing that you love, but when you look at them in a photo they are less appealing?
What was your favorite item of clothing in middle school?
What do you think about this gray sweater?

Sweater: Unknown via Goodwill Donation Pile
Shirt: 6 degrees via Goodwill Donation Pile
Skirt: I.N.C. via Goodwill
Scarf: Goodwill (a new find while I was searching for a Halloween costume, and it's 100% silk! I love the colors--a play off of my two main colors, but slightly tweaked and refreshing)
Tights: Hue via Plato's Closet
Shoes: Naturalizer via Goodwill

Drip Drip Drop...

2010-10-26T06:58:00.000-07:00

I am sorry for having not posted in such a long while! Readers, I am in a bit of a conundrum. Lately, the weather over here has looked like this:

This is not so conducive to taking outfit photos. Not only is my usual photo-spot (which is--gasp! secret revealed!--on the side of my house) flooded out, but anywhere outside would cause my camera to get wet. Not only that, but on top of the pitch black mornings and evening it has been twilight all day long. If I was to find a spot outdoors that is out of the rain, I would still have to use the flash. I've tried taking photos indoors, and it just doesn't look good. I am not sure what I can do, besides wait out the bad weather. (all winter?) I will try a variety of indoor/covered outdoor-with-the-flash combos and we will see if any of them work.

The Sun is a Late Sleeper Too

2010-10-19T20:21:00.000-07:00

These shorter days are wrecking havoc on my photo-taking schedule! I apologize for the graininess in this photo, I took it right before I left for work and apparently that is still too dark for decent photos.

Skirt: Express via Plato's Closet
Blazer: Costa Blanca via Goodwill donation pile
Shirt: Kiabi Women from France
Scarf: Too bad it didn't photograph well--it's very pretty, with Parisian landmarks on it in yellow. I found it at a garage sale ages ago.
Tights: Hue
Shoes: Naturalizer via Goodwill

Can the 80s be subtle?

2010-10-18T23:07:00.000-07:00

I do realize that I talk about the weather a lot on this blog...and I do realize that, for the most part, most of my pictures look the same weather-wise. However, it was so unusually pretty outside today I felt compelled to bring it into my picture. Once again, cue MS Paint!

And yes, I AM rocking a side ponytail today!
Skirt: Preview Collection via Goodwill
Shirt: Toomi via Goodwill Outlet
Sweater: Unknown via Goodwill donation pile
Belt: Chico's via Goodwill
Tights: double layered, Target leggings and Target black and brown herringbone (finally wore them!)
Shoes: Steve Madden

Calling All Morning Birds

2010-10-18T23:00:00.001-07:00

I'm tired of the same old background! However, instead of diligently trying to find another background that is both accessible, close and has a good place to precariously balance my camera, I have decided to tap into my thus-far-unexplored MS Paint skills. Thus, I give you:

We can pretend I'm calling the birds to play...at 7:30 in the morning, moments before I rushed out to work.

This was the picture that started it all...I wanted to include flowers, but my yard is full of dead leaves and the brown wall of the house is not quite up to my 'bundles of pink flowers' expectations.
Shirt: AE via Goodwill donation pile
Sweater: Unknown via Goodwill donation pile
Skirt: Preview Collection via Goodwill
Tights: double layered, Hue via Plato's Closet and Target
Shoes: Merona, gift

Like An Iceburg...

2010-10-12T18:23:00.000-07:00

I wanted to plan my outfit around this swishy brown skirt and the idea of warmth. Despite appearing to be a light fall outfit, there are hidden layers here! I am wearing two pairs of tights and a long-sleeved shirt underneath it all, plus my scarf is a wool and silk blend and traps the heat like crazy.

Skirt: I.N.C. via Goodwill
Shirt: 6 degrees via Goodwill donation pile
Tights: two pairs, one Hue via Plato's Closet, one Target
Shoes: Naturalizer
Long sleeve undershirt: Gap via Plato's Closet
Sweater: Unknown via Goodwill donation pile
Scarf: Street market in Ukraine

Where The Cotton Blooms and Blows

2010-10-11T18:44:00.000-07:00

Jacket: 22 via The Rack
Shirt: Kiabi Women from France
Jeans: Martin & Osa via Goodwill
Shoes: Naturalizer via Goodwill

Double Double

2010-10-11T18:10:00.000-07:00

My clever hidden-wedge boots, how I love you. Perfect for a day when I want to dress up and wear heels, but when I am too lazy to actually wear heels!

As we start getting into colder and colder weather I will begin my favorite cold-weather trick--layering tights. Here I layered a pair of patterned gray fishnet-type tights (I love them, but they were unexpectedly lady-of-the-night-esque when worn alone) over my plain gray tights for a subtle patterned leg. Once we get into colder weather, I will start layering opaque tights over opaque tights, tights over leggings, and (finally, when it is freezing out) tights over Underarmour (how I love thee!).

Do you have any tricks for enduring the cold weather?
Do you notice your personal style changing a lot from the summer to the winter?
On the subject of my outfit, do you think the khaki skirt stands out too much from the darker palette of the rest of the outfit?

J’adore mes bottes avec le petit talon caché ! Parfait pour moi quand je suis trop paresseuse de porter des chaussures avec des vrais talons !

Lorsqu’on approche l’hiver, je commence à porter deux collants, l’un sur l’autre ! Ici je porte les collants gris de la dentelle sur les collants qui sont seulement gris. Ça donne un motif joli, je crois ! Je vais commencer à porter les leggings sous les collants, ou même Underarmour (mon favori—c’est comme les leggings mais sportif et très chauffant !) sous les collants !

Avez-vous des trucs pour quand il fait vraiment froid ?

Votre style, ça change beaucoup de l’été à l’hiver ?

Pour ma tenue, la jupe est-elle trop claire en comparaison avec les autres vêtements ?

Sweater: Gap via Goodwill
Skirt: H&M via Plato's Closet
Tights (2 pairs): Both via Forever 21
Boots: Steve Madden

Hustle Bustle

2010-10-09T18:22:00.000-07:00

I grabbed this gray dress this morning and ended up doing a monochromatic look in shades of gray and black. I very much enjoy both of those colors and I didn't mind being all dark--it reminded me of when I lived in France and for most of the year, almost every French person wore black pretty much exclusively. You might think I exaggerate, but when I'm on the Swiss side of the border, I see lots of blue, red and brown, but on the French side (we are talking a 15 minute train ride, not traveling to a different climatic zone) everyone is in black--black boots, black jeans, a black peacoat and usually a black scarf, although sometimes people went crazy and went for a--wait for it--black and white patterned scarf. Now, don't get me wrong--they looked excruciatingly chic and I yearned to emulate them, so much that I gathered much of my current black wardrobe during my time in France. I love wearing black and gray, and it usually ends up as my go-to look if I am at a loss.

J’ai d décidé de porter cette jupe grise ce matin et, en résultant, j’étais monochrome pour la journée. J’aime bien les deux couleurs gris et noir, et ça ne m’inquiète pas d’être foncé. Je me rappelle à l’année quand j’habitais en France, et tous let français portent le noir pour presque toute l’année. Quand je restais en Suisse, les hommes portent du bleu, du brun, de la rouge, mais au coté Francis, tout le monde porte le noir et seulement le noir (et parfois une écharpe d’une autre couleur). Ils étaient trop chic et je voulais devenir comme eux, donc j’ai ramassé des vêtements noirs. Moi, j’adore porter le noir et le gris, et je les porte quand je ne connais pas qu’est ce que je dois porter.

Do you have a monochromatic look you tend towards?
Is there a certain color palette that people wear where you are?
Do you think I was successful in wearing my black and gray, or do you think it reads too somber for me?

Portez-vous les vêtements monochromes ?

Est-ce qu’il y a un couleur que tout le monde préfère où vous habitez ?

Croyez-vous que le noir et le gris, c’est un succès pour moi ? Ou est-t-il trop sombre pour moi ?

Dress: unknown, Goodwill donation pile
Long sleeved shirt underneath: Gap via Plato's Closet
Wrap: Chico's
Leggings: Target
Belt: Chico's via Goodwill
Boots: Steve Madden