Awkward Dress

 

Take One, Pass It On Item:  black belt from last Friday (not that you can see it!)

I bought this dress in January, and immediately tore off the tags, and it has hung in my closet for over a month, not being worn.  I'm pretty sure this was a wrong decision for me to purchase.  In my defense, I was distracted by the polka dots and didn't realize that this "dress" is a super awkward length for me.  I'm sure on a regular person, it is an appropriate length (evidence).   On me, it is too short to wear as a dress, even with tights, but it is just a little bit too long to be a shirt.  I'm not really a leggings person, so that's a no-go as well.

The outfit above is my attempt at styling this difficult item, and I am not 100% sold on this look.  Plus, I think I would get tired of wearing it over all of my different colored pencil skirts.  Do any of you have ideas for how I can make this work?  Right now, my best idea is to chop a couple of inches off the bottom, but there's a decent chance I would just ruin it.  Fashion blogger SOS!

Dress: Old Navy
Belt and Skirt: Limited
Boots: Target

P as in Phone

Take One, Pass It On Item: black sweater from Wednesday's post

You know how when you are on the phone, and you are spelling a name or something, how a lot of letters can sound the same.  B could be D, etc.  And people say things like "B as in Boy" to clarify.  I am terrible at thinking of example words.   I either say something embarrassing, like "P as in Puppy", or I say something phonetically confusing, like "P as in Phone", or I really confuse the issue by picking a word that could also start with the other letter in question, like "P as in Pair" and they are like "T as in Tear, great!" and then we are all messed up.  This has happened a few times at work recently, so I figured I need to get my act together.   I should probably post this on my wall. 

I also have to note that this blouse has stars on it, but they just look like polka dots in pictures.  I kind of wish they were polka dots, but stars are okay, too. 

I think that's random enough to link up with Shanna! 


Sweater & Jeans: Gap
Bow Blouse: Alfani via Macy's
Boots: BareTraps via DSW 

Swapping Buttons

Take One, Pass It On Item:  gray tights from last Thursday

Here's the deal - I started blogging before I knew anything about blogging.  Almost a year and a half later, and I still don't know all the tricks of the trade.  In December, I realized I should really have a blog button, so I did some Google searches to find instructions and realized it was super easy.  Why did it take me a whole year to do that?  I have no idea.

Anyway, for the past 3-ish months, I have done some button swaps, and sponsored a few blogs to get a feel for things.  Here's my question:  Do you actually think button swaps or ads on a sidebar do any good?  In my experience, I have gotten almost zero traffic from the blogs that just have my button on their sidebar.  For the  blogs I actually paid to sponsor, I did see traffic, but I think that was more from their "Meet the Sponsor" type posts, giveaways, and twitter shout-outs.  The one blog I paid to sponsor who didn't do those extra things pretty much sent me no traffic.

I have considered the possibility that my button is lame and doesn't catch the attention of potential clickers.  So I am curious what you all think about button swaps:  Do you think they bring new readers your way?

I'm still trying to decide how to proceed with the whole sponsoring/swapping buttons deal.  I'm not trying to make money off this blog, but it is fun to have more readers.  Instead of a button swap, I have been wondering about the idea of swapping posts with other bloggers, where we would just guest post for each other on a given day.  Other bloggers, would you be interested in something like that?  Readers, what do you think of guest posts?  Do you see it as a way to meet someone new, or do you just scroll past it?

Shirt: Gap
Sweater: Urban Outfitters
Skirt: Sunny Leigh via Macy's
Tights: Target
Boots: Wanted via Piperlime

Victorious

After working from home on Thursday and Friday, due to the foot of snow we got, I was ready for the weekend!  I did a little shopping on Saturday, and then met up in the afternoon with a friend/co-worker who is in town for the weekend.  John and I met up with his parents for dinner, and then they came over to play Settlers of Catan.  That makes the third Saturday in a row that we have played this game.  I am either a brilliant strategist, or just extremely lucky, because we played 2 games and I won both of them.  Let's go ahead and assume I'm brilliant.

Scarf & Sweater: Gap
Jeans: Old Navy
Boots: BareTraps via DSW

Budgeting Blogger, Take 2

Take One, Pass It On Item:  tan scarf from last Tuesday's post

I'm linking up with Franish again this month for Budgeting Bloggers.  As I said at the end of January, I am trying to save up my shopping money so I have extra to spend when I go to Phoenix in April.  February was pretty successful in this regard.  I did get a couple dresses, but they were both very reasonably priced, and I am getting rid of several old dresses, so I have some room in my wardrobe.

1. Limited Striped Dress:  $18 (originally $98)
2. Kohl's dress (not online, but I found it here):  $6.40 (originally $64) - plus I had a gift card, so it was free.  

Grand Total = $18

Pretty good, I guess!  I'm going to avoid shopping in March, too, and then I will probably go a little overboard in April, but the clothing budget rolls over from month to month, so it is OK!   I am also hoping to clear out quite a bit of my closet in March.  If I haven't worn it all winter, I will probably try to sell it or donate it! 

Did you stick to your budget in February?

Sweater: Old Navy
Scarf: Calvin Klein
Skirt: Gap
Boots: Rampage

Snow Day!

 

Take One, Pass It On Item:  purple tights from last Tuesday's post

Well, Winter Storm Q finally arrived yesterday after much speculation about how much snow it might bring.  I worked from home, because the news said getting to work would be fine, but getting home would be tricky.  I figured it would be best just to stay home, since I can remote into all the programs I need.  I was starting to feel foolish, but the snow finally started around noon, and I think we got about 7 inches by evening.

I'm glad I am a few days ahead on outfit photos, because what I wore today was definitely NOT blog-worthy, unless I start a side blog about how to wear sweatpants and slippers.

Hope you all have a wonderful weekend!  


Shirt: J.Crew Factory
Dress and Tight: Old Navy
Necklace: H&M
Belt: Limited
Boots: BareTraps

Brick Wall

 

Take One, Pass It On Item:  polka dot cardigan from last Monday

**In a less blatant form of copycatting, this outfit is inspired by Kate, again.  I'm still not convinced that a tucked in shirt is the right look for me, but I'm trying to give it a fair shake.

I'm also linking up with Bri for Third Thursday Threads!  The theme this month is polka dots, so it sort of worked out perfectly that I was passing along this cardigan.   

In other news... Look!  A brick wall as a background!  I sort of feel like a legit fashion blogger now.  Lunch dates with quick photo sessions may be the answer to my outfit photo problems.  I have been trying to take pictures in the morning, but I usually have wet hair and sleepy eyes.  And, let's be honest - I get to work late enough without adding 10 minutes for self-timer pictures.  After work, it's dark outside and my outfit is wrinkled from sitting all day.  At lunch, my clothes are only wrinkled by a half-day's worth of sitting, my hair is dry, and my eyes aren't sleepy (which would be relevant if I wasn't wearing sunglasses).  Plus lunch dates are awesome!  

Cardigan and Skirt: Old Navy
Shirt: NY&Co
Belt: Chinese Laundry
Shoes: Seychelles
Purse: Target

Black and White (and Neon)

 

Take One, Pass It On Item:  booties from Friday's post (and boyfriend shirt, which I didn't even realize!  I should get some bonus points for that!)

**I'm also linking up with Marion for the trend of the month!

I very rarely wear all neutrals, but I was really going to try for this link-up.  I put this outfit together and it just felt a little boring, so I had to add the neon belt.  It's still mostly black and white, right?

Since it wasn't quite pitch black outside when I got home, I braved the frigid temperatures and wind to take some pictures outside.  I was not brave enough to take my coat off.  I shouldn't be complaining about the weather, because we are supposed to get about 8-12 inches of snow, with blizzard-like winds on Thursday.   Is it spring yet??

Shirt, Sweater, and Coat: Gap
Belt: Chinese Laundry
Skirt: Autograph via TJ Maxx or Marshalls (I can never remember)
Boots: Target

Literary Link-Up Time

Take One, Pass It On Item:  mint skinny jeans from last Wednesday.

It's time for another Literary Junkies Link up!  These questions are always more difficult to answer than I expect. 

1. What are you reading right now? Tell us about it.
I just finished The American Heiress, which is about a very rich, young, beautiful American who goes to England to marry into a title, and all the drama that follows.  This is actually the book club choice for this month.  I've also been "reading" The Lovely Bones via audiobook.  I suspect most people have heard of this book or at least seen the movie.  It has been nice to have a book to listen to when I am cleaning the house, or painting the bathroom, or on the elliptical at the gym.  I think I will get more of these audiobooks!   

2. Give us the recipe for a great book. 
If I knew the answer to this, I would be a very famous author!  I think a great book has to have characters that the reader cares about.  I don't necessarily have to like them, but I usually don't like a book unless I am somewhat emotionally invested in what happens to the people.  A good plot helps, too.  

3. Tell us things you've learned from a book recently. Did you learn anything about history? Did you take away a deep & profound realization about the world around you? Or maybe even a beauty tip?
Top of mind answer:  I can't think of anything.  Upon further inspection of my recent reads, I think the main thing I have learned is just to be profoundly grateful for the life I have.  I know Game of Thrones is fantasy, but I think it has some historical accuracy in the way women were viewed for many centuries.  I am very glad I was born in the 20th century, where I was allowed to go to school, and marry whoever I wanted to marry, and have a job, make my own decisions, etc.  Gone Girl is an extreme example of a very messed up marriage, but it made me happy that I didn't relate to the main characters at all!  The Casual Vacancy was just thoroughly depressing, so I was reminded again how blessed I am to have such a wonderful family.  This is starting to sound braggy, but I think I have the tendency to get a little bit caught up in stupid little things that "go wrong" in my life, when I really don't have much to complain about.  Most of the books I have read recently are good reminders that I shouldn't focus on whining, but rather on all the good things in life!   (I guess I thought of something)


4. What was your favorite book as a child?
 I know my favorite series was the Boxcar Children.  I loved reading about their adventures!  The other book that comes to mind is called Andi's War.  I think I found it randomly when I was searching on the computers for books with my name in them.  It was only at the downtown library, which we didn't go to very often, but I think I checked it out every time.  When John and I were dating, I had said something about this weird book that I used to read, and he tracked it down from Amazon for my birthday.  When I read it again as an adult, I realized it was really not a great book for a kid.  It is set in Greece during the Civil War, so there is a lot of talk about Communism and it is a fairly violent book for a kid.  Of course, I didn't remember any of that from my childhood, so I guess it's okay. 

Now I am curious, what was YOUR favorite book as a kid? 

Scarf: Calvin Klein
Sweater: Old Navy
Jeans: Gap
Boots: Rampage

Another Weekend

Take One, Pass It On Item:  silver belt from last Thursday's post.

**copycatting myself.  I just really liked this sweater/shirt/belt combo with my green skirt, so I wanted to try it with purple. 

On Mondays, I feel compelled to give some update about the weekend.  I started to think about it, and realized this weekend was very similar to last weekend.  During the day on Saturday, I tried to get caught up on household tasks, because who has time to to laundry during the week?  Saturday evening, John and I met up with a friend for dinner and some Red Mango, and then back to our house for another epic game of Catan.  I feel like I should mention that I won last weekend and this weekend.  I think I should retire while I am at my peak.  Sunday was church, followed by lunch, and a quick run to Ulta because I was completely out of makeup.  In the afternoon, I just tried to take it easy because I am afraid I have a cold now.  I'm trying to ignore it in the the hopes that it will go away, but so far, this is not working.  I need to move somewhere warmer, preferably where there are no germs.

How was your weekend?  


Top and Cardigan: Gap
Skirt: Sunny Leigh
Belt: Chinese Laundry
Boots: BareTraps

Tough

Take One, Pass It On Item: boyfriend shirt from last Friday's post

I recently learned that someone in my office described me as "tough."  When I told various other people (husband, sister, friends), they all laughed heartily.  I'm about as NOT tough as is humanly possible.  There are several definitions (according to Merriam-Webster):    

1. characterized by severity or uncompromising determination <tough laws> <tough discipline>
2. capable of enduring strain, hardship, or severe labor <tough soldiers>
3. very hard to influence : stubborn <a tough negotiator>
4. difficult to accomplish, resolve, endure, or deal with <a tough question> <tough luck>
5. stubbornly fought <a tough contest>
6. unruly, rowdyish <a tough gang>
7. marked by absence of softness or sentimentality <a tough critic>

The only one that I could maybe believe about myself is #4.  I'm sometimes "difficult to deal with", but that is because I am so sensitive, so I'm not sure we can really apply it in this case.   

I just thought it was funny - the perceptions others have of us are sometimes very far from reality!  And I figured I should let you all know the truth, just in case you haven't figured it out: I'm not really tough at all. 

Shirt and Cardigan: Gap
Belt: Old Navy
Skirt: Kenneth Cole Sweater (refashioned)
Boots: Target

Be My Valentine

 

Look!  I switched out purses!

Take One, Pass It On Item:  red jeans from last Thursday's post
*Inspired by this look.  

Happy Valentine's Day!  I don't have particularly strong feelings about this holiday.  I mean, I like any excuse to celebrate, but John and I usually don't exchange gifts or anything.  Sometimes, I convince him that we should go out to dinner at my favorite restaurant, but we usually do it a few days after Valentine's, to avoid the crowds.  

Last year, the February theme for EBEW was "Red and Pink."  I was still pretty new to the blogging game, and I put together a pretty lame outfit.  Then I really loved some of the other outfits, but I didn't have many red items in my wardrobe, so I never got around to trying it for myself.  When I bought my red jeans right after Christmas, I decided I would finally try the red and pink combo.  Valentine's week seemed like an appropriate time for this. 

This is one of those outfits that I decided I was going to wear, and there was no turning back.  As I was driving to work, I started to feel a little bit ridiculous, but I wasn't going to go home to change.  As the day progressed, my t-shirt decided to untuck itself, and I thought it looked a little bit better than the tucked-in version, so I snapped a picture. 

I'm just not used to having my shirt tucked in.  I'm going to work on it.

I'm also not a big fan of these boots with this outfit.  They just seem very sudden and dark, compared to the overload of brightness.  I wanted to wear my gray boots, or my gray flats, but they are both falling apart.  I think the shoe repair place can save the boots, but the flats are probably going in the trash. 

T-shirt: Gap
Cardigan: Marisa Kristina
Necklace: InPink
Jeans: Old Navy
Belt: Chinese Laundry
Boots: BareTraps
Purse: Mossimo

Frozen Ankles

Take One, Pass It On Item:  pink scarf from last Wednesday's post

I'm getting pretty tired of winter for several reasons.  One is that I have such limited footwear options. Every day, I mostly get to decide if I want to wear my gray boots, my black boots, or my brown boots.  So when I checked the weather and it was supposed to be sunny and in the upper 40s, I was pretty excited to bust out my peep-toes and let my ankles out to play.  It turns out that my weather app was lying to me, and it was cloudy, maybe in the 30s, with pretty strong winds.  My poor ankles and toes were so cold.  Rookie mistake.

Sweater and Jeans: Gap
Scarf: Charming Charlie
Shoes: Seychelles via DSW

Linking up with Shanna for Random Wednesday.

Book Swap Reveal

I recently participated in a Book Swap!  I've done a few other blogger swaps, and a book swap was just too fun to refuse.  I was paired with Carla and she sent me an awesome book!  I put a library hold on The Fault in Our Stars a month or so ago, and I am still way down on the list.  I have heard great reviews from other bloggers, and even some real life friends!  I'll be sure to review it when I'm done reading!

Ruzzle Addict

Take One, Pass It On Item: pearl necklace from last Tuesday's post.

So, have you all jumped on the Ruzzle fad yet?  My brother and sister got me hooked on this game.  It's basically Boggle for smartphones, with a little bit of Scrabble thrown in.

I'm going to brag a little bit and say that I am ridiculously good at Boggle.  I mean, no one will play with me, because it just isn't fun.  For some reason, my brain is really great at seeing words in a random assortment of letters.  Surprisingly, this is of no use to me in my every day life and career.

My biggest problem with Ruzzle is that it tells you how many words you found, and then it tells you how many words exist to be found.  In Boggle, I just know that I found 50 words and my opponent found 25, so I get to feel really awesome.  Ruzzle tells me that there were 297 total words, and then I feel bad about myself, even when I win!  Why can't this game just let me be happy that I found more words than the other player?  Seriously, Ruzzle, stop ruining my life!   (at least I'm not being dramatic.)  

I don't believe there are 275 words to be found!

Dress and Cardigan: Gap
Necklace: gift (from China)
Tights: Old Navy
Shoes: BCBGeneration

Weekend Recap

 

Take One, Pass It On Item:  bubble necklace from last Monday's post.
**Today, I am copycatting Kate's look from early December.  It's kind of exciting when I have the exact same item as another blogger, because it's very easy to get inspired.  Don't be surprised when I pass along this cardigan and copycat her again next week.

***I also need to get a better plan for taking photos at work, or figure out how to avoid taking photos at work.  These are not great!

Well, it's Monday again.  I swear, it's like it happens every week.  I had a pretty good weekend.  John and I finished painting our hallway bathroom (updates on that later).  I met a friend for lunch, and then we had some other friends come over for dinner and an epic game of Catan.  On Sunday, we had church and then met up with John's parents for lunch.  I also got caught up on some basic household tasks, like laundry and dishes!

I'd say it was a pretty successful weekend.  Did you do anything fun?

Cardigan: Old Navy
Necklace: Charming Charlie
Top and Jeans: Gap
Shoes: Born

Snuggle Saturday - Celebrity Doppelganger

It's Saturday, so you better believe I am linking up with Snuggle Saturday!  This week, I'm even co-hosting, which is pretty exciting.  This week, we are talking about Celebrity Doppelgangers.

Now, when you have one sort of "stand-out" physical feature (like, I don't know, giant hair), people tend to focus on that attribute when saying "You look like ______!"  I have no idea if I actually look like any celebrities, but I've created the following little graphic to share the 8 celebrities I have most frequently been compared to:

• Andie McDowell: I think our shared name makes this more common, too. 
• Weird Al Yankovic: this is a real confidence boost
• Juliana Margulies: I actually dressed up as "Nurse Carol Hathaway" for Spirit week in high school.  It must have been "TV Character" day or something. 
• Julia Louis-Dreyfus: only most people say "Elaine from Seinfeld"
• Slash: just give me a hat and a guitar
• Anne Hathaway in Princess Diaries pre-makeover:  I'll just pretend I look like Anne Hathaway in her most gorgeous moment and take this as a compliment.  Moving on...
• Kenny G: I almost prefer the comparison to Weird Al!
• Minnie Driver: just learned on Wikipedia that her real name is "Amelia Fiona," which is pretty cool.   

So there you have it.  My list of "not really doppelgangers."  Do you look like any celebrities?  Link up, or let me know in the comments!

My Boot Broke

 

Take One, Pass It On Item:  orange cardigan from last Thursday's post

Remember how I recently found a hole in my brand new dress?  Well, I've had another wardrobe malfunction.  This time my boot broke!  I was talking with a co-worker, and I have a habit of rocking back on my heels (kind of like a little kid).  Anyway, I did this, and heard a crack, and sort of fell.  Broken heel.  Way to go, Andi.

I swallowed my pride and emailed my co-workers hoping someone had some superglue so I could fix it.  One guy was at home for lunch, and was able to bring some back.  As my nieces used to say (every day), he was the "hero of the day."  I glued my shoe back together, and it definitely helped, but I'll still need to take it in to the shoe repair place, and I hope they fully fix my boot!  These are relatively new, and I haven't worn them a whole lot.

2 other quick things:

1. This outfit was really awesome in my mind, and I actually felt pretty fancy all day (sort of like the quirky librarian from a movie, or maybe Emma Pillsbury).  Now that I am looking at pictures, I'm not sure I like it very much.  Does this happen to anyone else?
2. I don't usually tuck in my shirts, and I think it is because it adds extra fabric/bulk to my middle.  Is there a trick I don't know to avoid this?

Shirt: Gap

Cardigan & Skirt: J.Crew Factory
Boots: Guess via TJ Maxx