Twenty Three Chromosomes

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

Eleventh Hour

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

Figure Eight

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

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

Four Ways To Wear Episode 11: Nude Sweater

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.

Like An Iceburg...

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

A Casual Ballerina

Today was a relaxed day at work, especially compared to how busy is has been recently. I wanted an outfit that was a bit more fun, so I built this outfit around my new, full, swooshy skirt!


Skirt: I.N.C. via Goodwill
Shirt: The Loft via Plato's Closet
Scarf: I bought it at a street market in Ukraine
Tights: Target
Shoes: Naturalizer
Sweater: Unknown via Goodwill donation pile
Belt: Unkown via Goodwill

What do you wear when you want a fun outfit? Do you dress differently when you know you have a stressful day ahead of you?

Lazy Day Style

Work work work. I feel that I've worn some variation of this outfit frequently as of late--I am just in love with this shirt (what Mr. P lovingly refers to as my 'old lady shirt that somehow looks good') and this gray cardigan has been my ultimate go-to.


Cardigan: Unknown, free from a friend's Goodwill donation pile
Shirt: Loft, via Plato's Closet
Jeans: Martin & Osa via Goodwill
Shoes: Naturalizer

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 First

First day at the new job! I'm working in a school, but there are no students this week (we are just going to meetings, setting up, etc) so I can be a bit casual. This is what I wore on my first day. I was going for professional, yet creative, young but very mature, an individual but also a team player. Apparently I have high expectations for the verboseness of my outfits...



Shirt: The Loft via Plato's
Sweater: Unknown, free
Necklace: Spotted Moth, gift
Jeans: Martin & Osa via Goodwill
Shoes: Naturalizer
Scarf: Gift

Four Ways To Wear Episode 5: Black Poncho and Cream Sweater

This episode is a Full Night Event (remember those, back when the CW was the WB?). A twofer, if you don't mind.

Part I: The Case of the Black Lace Poncho

The Candidate: A black lace poncho

The Goal: A new type of layering piece, something fun and unexpected

The Results:


Poncho: Bisoux Bisoux via Goodwill
Shirt: Gap via Goodwill
Jeans: Martin & Osa via Goodwill
Shoes: Unknown from France


Poncho: Bisoux Bisoux via Goodwill
Dress: Ross
Tights: Hue via Plato's

I'm stopping at two. This poncho does not fit in with my wardrobe (Is it the lace? Is it the fact that it looks cold weather, but is not warm? Is it the unusual shape?) and it was a stretch for me to make these outfits, much less two more.

The Verdict: Thumbs down. Return it!

Part II: The Case of the Wool Cream Sweater

The Candidate: A wool cream sweater, Banana Republic.

The Goal: A light-colored neutral warm sweater.

The Results:


Sweater: Banana Republic via Goodwill
Dress: Ross
Tights: Hue via Plato's
Shoes: Naturalizer


Sweater: Banana Republic via Goodwill
Skirt: Preview Collection via Goodwill
Shirt (you can see the tip of one sleeve, haha): The Loft via Plato's
Tights: Hue via Plato's
Boots: Steve Madden

Aaaand I stopped again at two. This time, it was definitely the result of several extremely unflattering photos--usually I get quite a few not-very-pretty ones, but rarely to this degree! It was the sweater! Added in that it felt a bit too big, loose cut notwithstanding, and the cropped sleeves denied me the warmth I was seeking in a wool sweater...it got cut.

The Verdict: No-go. But a return means more money in my pocket!

Craving Neutral

Going out to dinner with family! After wearing a mini, bright tights and high heeled cowboy boots with fringe all day, I craved something a bit more toned down...give me neutrals, dark blues and flats!


Pants: Martin & Osa via Goodwill
Shirt: Language Los Angeles via Plato's Closet
Cardigan: Unknown, Free
Shoes: Naturalizer (love!)
Necklace: Spotted Moth (giveaway win!)

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!

Double Take

As promised, the last look for my brown skirt! Actually, two looks, although they are extremely similar (what can I say, I have a look I like!).



Skirt: Preview Collection via Goodwill
Leggings: Target
Shirt: PSYCH! It's a sweater dress. Yup. I almost like it better as a top, haha. It's Rhapsody via Ross.
Shoes: Naturalizer







The same, only with an actual shirt for the top--Tricot Jolie via Plato's.

Paisley It's Cold Inside

When it's warm outside, that means that the AC is cranked up inside. Therefore sunny skies and warm temperatures equals sweater and long pants for my work outfit!



Sweater: Unknown brand, free from a donation pile (literally, there is a tag for the brand name...but it is blank. Very curious.)
Shirt: The Loft via Plato's Closet
Cami: Shimera
Pants: Unknown
Shoes: Naturalizer

Wardrobe Uniform

For work, I have been mainly wearing the same basic outfit (gray slacks, plain shirt, cardi, flats) every day and have thus been uninspired to snap photos. This is another one of my 'uniform' variations--neutral dress, cardi, pop-of-color tights and flats. I don't have a lot of clothing that works for my job, and I definitely will not be buying more for a job that I will only have for barely two months more.

However, I HAVE taken it upon myself to stock up my fall and winter wardrobe! Yesterday at the Goodwill I found an awesome wool Bebe zippered cropped coat (in fact, it is so awesome that I can't tell if it's ugly or awesome...but let's err on the side of awesome, shall we?) for $10, and today at the Goodwill I found a very soft, perfectly fitting purple printed sweater originally from the Gap for $6. I am just lucking out! (although Mr. P prefers to see it as 'spending lots of money on clothing you don't really need.' pfffft...) Pictures are forthcoming, hopefully on a new camera Mr. P and I will be getting in the next few days! (fingers crossed that nothing goes wrong!)

Also, I found my Holy Grail of topcoats--it's called Out The Door, and it was 5$ at a local beauty supply shop. Amaaaazing! Dries super fast, looks super shiny, does not chip very easily. I am pleased.

My Coach purse remains exciting, shiny and new--it goes so nicely with my wardrobe (plus my new wallet looks so cute inside it)!

Leopard Awesomeness

I am re-posting part of this from my reply on the 365 Fashion Rehab thread. My shopping day!

I was very proud of myself for shopping with a plan! Instead of just looking around and buying whatever caught my eye, I had a list of both articles of clothing to look for and color stories to stick to. You can look at my blog for the in-depth description, but I went through my closet and counted up how much I had of everything--that was a shock, lol. Then did editing, then listed what I need for the work year (since summer clothing was not needed at ALL, lol), and last of all picked my color story (bright coral and cranberry, with plentiful neutrals and accents of turquoise).

Today I ended up buying 2 dresses, 2 shirts and 1 pair of tights from Plato's Closet, 1 pair of awesome flats from Naturalizer, and 2 shirts from Banana Republic Outlet (and man, are their prices good!). AND they all are teacher-appropriate and fall within my color range, woohoo! Total damage: about 70$, thanks to amazing sales and a small gift card I had stashed away (which thankfully survived my 6 weeks of No-Buy--at one point I had almost convinced myself that spending a gift card wasn't spending 'real' money and therefore wasn't shopping. Thankfully, that delusional state didn't last).

Now, I'm also going to do something I haven't done before--look at the pieces I just bought in the context of my wardrobe and decide if they function with what I already have, above and beyond how they look on me (it's like a revelation, lol).

AND upon further review, I decided to return BOTH dresses. Cute, but didn't follow fit in nicely with my other pieces of clothing. More money to buy more tights! lol...

Here's an outfit post for when I am teaching. You might recognize the skirt as a dress I have previously worn on this blog. I was concerned that it might be a bit short for work, but when I sit down it doesn't get shorter, so I think it's ok, especially worn with (my new awesomely-awesome) flats.






Dress: Goodwill
Shirt: H&M via Goodwill
Belt: Target
Sweater: Express via Goodwill Outlet
Shoes: Love them! Super comfy. Naturalizers (on sale!!!)