Book Review - The Truth About Style

I've been a fan of Stacy London ever since "What Not to Wear" started.  I haven't had cable for several years, and that is one of the shows I actually miss watching.  I loved the fact that it is a makeover show, but they also deal with the emotional side of why women dress badly in the first place.

Stacy's book is similar to the show in that she chose 9 women who needed style makeovers, but also dug deeper into their emotional reasons for the style rut they were each in.  I really enjoyed reading this book.  It was interesting to learn more about Stacy's life and her own insecurities.  It's a good reminder that even the most beautiful and fashionable women are still critical of themselves.  As women, we need to give ourselves a break!          

Also, I am linking up with Shanna today, for her first Random Wednesday Link Up.  You should, too!

Trifecta Tuesday - Fuchsia Skirt

This skirt is one of my more recent purchases from Gap.  Over the weekend, I was tempted to buy the orange version, but I decided it wouldn't really play well with the rest of my closet.

I really love the color and fit of this skirt.  I just have one issue - the buttons are brown.  Now I'm just not sure if it will look right if I wear it with black.  So far, I've just avoided the issue, but I think bare leg season is quickly closing out and I am going to need to wear tights with this skirt.  What do you think?  Can I wear a brown-buttoned skirt with an otherwise black outfit?  Am I just being ridiculous?

Sweater, tank, skirt: Gap
Jacket: Younker's
Boots: Wanted


Here are a few other ways I have worn this skirt (I may have a slight addiction to stripes):

Winter is Coming

As I mentioned on Saturday, Nebraska can't really decide on a season.  I almost wore shorts to run errands on Saturday, but it just didn't feel right for November.  Then Sunday morning I had to bust out my big winter coat.  The rest of this week is supposed to be more fall-like, so I am hoping for some more moderate days before the cold months set in.

I keep seeing "Winter is Coming" in random places and I'm never sure if people mean for it to be a Game of Thrones reference or not.  I also don't like how the TV show (which I haven't seen) is called "Game of Thrones," but the book series is really "A Song of Ice and Fire."  I just finished book three, and will likely finish four and five in the next few weeks and then I will have to be patient, because I suspect book six won't be out for a few years.  I should really wait to start a series until all the books are out!

Any recommendations for good books I should add to my list?

Coat: Old Navy
Sweater: Gap
Skirt: Autograph
Shoes: Seychelles
Necklace: Dillards

Book Review - New Dress a Day

One of my very favorite blogs is New Dress a Day, so when Marisa wrote a book, I was so excited to read it!  If you aren't familiar with her blog, she basically takes ugly clothes and refashions them into amazing pieces!  The book has a little bit of "Sewing 101" and then goes into step by step instructions for how to refashion several items.

Marisa is so talented, and she seems like such a nice person, too!  Seriously, if you aren't reading her blog already, you need to go do it.  I finished this book the same evening that I started reading it, and now I just want to go buy ridiculous items from Goodwill and transform them into fashionable pieces.  I think I might make that a goal for 2013.  I couldn't do it every day, but maybe one transformation each month would be feasible.  

Jacket: Izod
Shirt: Loft
Skirt: Gap
Shoes: BCBGeneration

Bi-Polar Weather

I know everyone enjoys talking about the weather, and seriously, it is acting all crazy!  Look at this weekend forecast:

I mean, that is just ridiculous!

Also, when did non-hurricane storms start having names?  The home page of weather.com is telling me that "Winter Storm Brutus" is still a threat.  I've never heard of a winter storm with a name.  OK, a quick Google search and I have an answer - this is a new thing.  Look at these names!  I wonder if winter storm Nemo will be hard to find.

Jacket: Izod
Sweater: Old Navy
Skirt: Gap
Boots: Wanted

Nerd Alert

It's time you all know the truth - I'm kind of a nerd.

Evidence that proves my guilt:

• I really enjoy reading books like this.
• My favorite board game is probably Scrabble, but I've learned not to play with friends, as they get really mad when I play words like "Qat" and "aitch". 
• I lived in the nerdery Honor's Dorm in college, so most of my friends are nerds, too. 
• One of my favorite teachers in high school always told us that we should marry "cute nerds."  I think I succeeded!  

The inspiration for this confession came from the recent discovery of the Merriam-Webster "Ask the Editor" video series.  I think these are so interesting!  You can learn all about "literally" and  dangling prepositions!  

You're welcome.  

Cardigan: Old Navy
Scarf: H&M
Shirt and Jeans: Gap
Shoes: Target

This is Awkward

Usually, my husband doesn't give a whole lot of feedback on my outfits.  Sometimes, he will say things like "This is awkward, but your boots are brown, and your dress is black."  I tried to explain that cognac is a totally legitimate color to pair with black.  Then I asked him for permission to quote him on the blog, and he said "Yeah, if you want to embarrass yourself!"  I don't think he's convinced that these colors work together.

Dress: Old Navy
Belt: Gap
Jacket: Izod
Boots: Guess