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

Twenty Four Hours of Light

...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

Roll A Six

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

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

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

Four Ways To Wear Episode 10: Cognac-Colored Boots

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!

Four Ways To Wear Episode 7: Brown Full Skirt

In this episode of Four Ways To Wear, Plummy finds another skirt that looks remarkably like one she already has, gets very excited, and then gets goofy. Intrigued? Read on!

The Candidate: This brown skirt from I.N.C that I found (where else?) at the Goodwill.

The Goal: To make many a work outfit, and to find another versatile skirt that is not my brown pencil skirt (how I love thee! But srsly, I have to branch out. I wear it pretty much every day.)

The Results:


Could it be? So similar to other outfits! Yes, I am already in love.
Skirt: I.N.C. via Goodwill
Shirt: Tricot Jolie via Plato's Closet
Tights: Hue via Plato's Closet
Shoes: Naturalizer via Goodwill


This is what you get when Plummy is overtired at the end of a long week...
Skirt: I.N.C. via Goodwill
Blazer: AE via Plato's Closet
Shirt: Banana Republic via BR Outlet
Tights: Hue via Plato's Closet
Shoes: Naturalizer via Goodwill


It's the month of Halloween! Give me scary!
Shirt: Gap via Goodwill
Skirt: I.N.C. via Goodwill
Belt: Unkown via Goodwill
Leggings: Target
Boots: Steve Madden


Finally, something that looks alright with my wool Bebe coat...I was so excited to find it at the Goodwill (brand new for $10!!!) but it's such a tricky little beast to wear. Obviously, I bought it before I started Four Ways To Wear.
Coat: Bebe via Goodwill
Skirt: I.N.C. via Goodwill
Leggings: Target
Boots: Steve Madden

The Verdict: Since it is indeed practically the same as my brown pencil skirt, except with lovely pleating and a slight sheen to the fabric, it is in! I love that it is another great find for work, I love that it is a fuller skirt, and I love this rich taupey brown color.

Four Ways To Wear Episode 6: Black Oxford Flats

I've already started wearing this particular item day to day. I was confident that it would work flawlessly in my current wardrobe, so my Four Ways To Wear came a bit later...and here it is! Let's see if you can guess what the item is!


This is a professional look with the new item!
Skirt: Zooc via Garage Sale
Shirt: Merona via Goodwill
Sweater: Express via Goodwill Outlet
Tights: Hue via Plato's Closet
Shoes: Naturalizer via Goodwill


This is a more relaxed, but still professionally-appropriate look.
Shirt: Merona via Goodwill
Dress: H&M via Plato's Closet
Tights: Hue via Plato's Closet
Sweater: Unknown via Goodwill donation pile
Shoes: Naturalizer via Goodwill


This is a more fun outfit--I would definitely wear this to the zoo, to the park, or while exploring a new city.
Shirt: Banana Republic via BR Outlet
Pants: Martin & Osa via Goodwill
Shoes: Naturalizer via Goodwill


By now I'm sure you've guessed it--my new item is this pair of new shoes! Naturalizer, leather, and for $4 I took them home from the Goodwill over Labor Day weekend. I love how comfy they are, how they are made out of leather, how they go with skirts and pants, and how almost-geeky they are. Perfect for someone new in the teaching field!
Jacket: AE via Plato's Closet
Shirt: Merona via Goodwill
Jeans: Martin & Osa via Goodwill
Shoes: Naturalizer via Goodwill

A Relaxed Fit

Today was sunny! *maniacal laughter at not having to mention gloomy weather*

I am now in my second week of school with kids, so I celebrated by relaxing my dress code a bit. A lot of the staff wear jeans, or more casual clothing, so I decided to do the same (but I wore my professor blazer almost all day, to make up for it!).


Jeans: Martin & Osa via Goodwill
Shoes: Naturalizer
Shirt: Language Los Angeles via Plato's Closet
Jacket: AE via Plato's Closet
Necklace: Spotted Moth, giveaway prize!

Day The Third

I felt like I should be part of a equestrian club, especially with the double whammy of boots and neck-kerchief style scarf! However, I did get two complements on my outfit today, so I consider it a win. It was cold again, so I layered--I'm wearing a long-sleeved black shirt under everything, and the boots + jeans offer a nice additional layer.


Jeans: Martin & Osa via Goodwill
Purple Shirt: Lucky Brand via Goodwill
Black long-sleeved shirt (unseen): from France
Scarf: Goodwill
Boots: Steve Madden
Blazer: AE via Plato's

Four Ways To Wear Episode 4: Safari Skirt

I found this cute skirt at Plato's Closet (originally from H&M) with the tags still attached! It's definitely not work appropriate, but I liked it enough to want to include it in my casual wardrobe (and prevent me from looking 'office-appropriate' all the time). I put on the skirt and immediately think safari, complete with wanting to wear square scarves around my neck, tweed, a hat and riding boots (obviously have never been on a safari. I've been to the zoo though, that counts, right?). Of course, Mr. P saw it and told me "it looks like you took a trench coat and cut it up to make a skirt." Thanks, Mr. P.

The Candidate: My safari/trench skirt.

The Goal: A cute casual piece that, because it is a neutral that is light colored (i.e. not black, gray or dark brown, my usuals) will coordinate with much of my wardrobe in a new twist.

The Results:


Sweater: Gap via Goodwill
Skirt: H&M via Plato's
Tights: F21, gift
Boots: Steve Madden


Sweater: Bogari via Goodwill
Scarf: Unknown, Goodwill
Skirt: H&M via Plato's
Tights: F21, gift
Boots: Steve Madden


Sweater: 22 via The Rack
Shirt: Tricot Jolie via Plato's
Skirt: H&M via Plato's
Tights: F21, gift
Boots: Steve Madden


This outfit reminded me most of my safari/outback idea when I saw the skirt.
Blazer: AE via Plato's
Scarf: Unknown via Goodwill
Skirt: H&M via Plato's
Tights: F21, gift
Boots: Steve Madden

AND a bonus outfit! What I wore to birthday dinner tonight (OMG we had authentic italian and I just about imploded it was so amazing...om nom nom)

Shirt: Tricot Jolie via Plato's
Skirt: H&M via Plato's
Tights: F21, gift
Boots: Steve Madden

The Verdict: Yay! I like it!

However...to come soon, a Four Ways To Wear that might not be as successful...stay tuned!

Four Ways To Wear Episode 2: Purple Embroidered Shirt

The Candidate: A deep grape silk and cotton blend loose fitting shirt from Lucky Brand (via the Goodwill, of course!)

The Goal: A cute work-appropriate shirt, something that will go with pants and skirts

The Results:


Shirt: Lucky Brand via Goodwill
Pants: Martin & Osa via Goodwill
Shoes: Naturalizer


The same outfit, but with a blazer by American Eagle via Plato's layered for a more formal, professional feel.




Shirt: Lucky Brand via Goodwill
Sweater: The Limited via Goodwill
Skirt: Vintage, unknown brand, via Goodwill
Tights: F21, gift
Shoes: Aerosoles, gift




Shirt: Lucky Brand via Goodwill
Long-sleeved shirt: unknown brand, from France
Skirt: Express, via Plato's Closet
Scarf: Gift
Tights: F21, gift
Boots: Steve Madden


Shirt: Lucky Brand via Goodwill
Pants: The Merlot via Plato's
Shoes: Naturalizer
Blazer: H&M (from six years ago, and I still wear it!)

Final Verdict: Success!

The Stodgy Professor Jacket Strikes Again!

I had an unexpected day off from work today, so I mustered all my energy and got into real clothes, instead of staying in my oversized sweatshirt and ratty pajama pants all day. Why, you might ask? It turns out that I am more productive in real clothes...Go figure. Although that did not prevent me from spending ten hours procrastinating on two and a half hours of work I did have to do today! Oh well, at least I made it out of the house (look, I'm on the back porch!).








Jacket: American Eagle via Plato's Closet
Scarf: Unknown via Goodwill
Shirt: Gap via Plato's Closet
Jeans: Martin and Osa via Goodwill
Shoes: unknown from France

Everyone Has A Stodgy Professor on the Inside

This is the last big item that I bought in my shopping spree--a houndstooth suit jacket. It called out to the stodgy old professor in me, crying out 'if you are a teacher, you MUST take me home.' The only thing it is missing is elbow patches, but I assume that those must be earned by countless hours grading papers with my elbows on a desk, slowly wearing through the chocolate brown and cream checked fabric. It is a neutral-on-neutral pattern in atypical-for-me neutral colors (i.e. not black or gray, my go-to neutrals of choice), but my only concern is the very structured feel to the jacket. Here I paired it with blue cords and a black sweater, but I think it would also look good with any of the three skirts I will be making. The unstructured black or light-neutral skirts will hopefully counterbalance the uber-structure of the jacket, while the pencil skirt will (I'm guessing) compliment the structure but tone down the formality of the blazer.

One thing I love--it is not black. I own three (!!!) black blazers, as well as a few other black blazer-type jackets, and this will be a refreshing change.





Blazer: American Eagle Outfitters via Plato's Closet
Sweater: (also from this shopping trip) Tricot Joli via Plato's Closet
Pants: The Merlot via Plato's Closet
Shoes: Unknown from France

(umm...yeah, the staff at Plato's definitely know me by name. I might have a problem...)