Radiant Orchid

 

So, um... what day is it anyway?  The last 9 days have been a whirlwind and I haven't had any of my normally scheduled activities to act as day markers.  Rumor has it that today is Monday and I have to go back to work (boo!).  Anyway, I had a blast with my sister and nieces and already miss them like crazy.

Floral Week was fun, right?!  I still haven't had time to visit all the links, but I'll try to do that soon!  Thanks to everyone who joined in, and you still have until midnight to link up if you want!  

Speaking of link up challenges - Heidi and Marissa are back with another Pantone inspired challenge this week.  I thought I'd have to skip Monday, because my only "radiant orchid" item is a workout tank top, but then I found this blouse at Gap Outlet for (wait for it) $2.97.  It's a little bit too big, but I had to get it.  I think I can take it in to make it more reasonably sized.

And finally, a quick weather update.  Saturday was SUMMERTIME!  We went to the park and were quite warm.  Sunday was cold, windy, and rainy-turned-snowy.  Ridiculous!  I'm just glad it was nice last week, because we spent a fair amount of time outside.

Cardigan: Old Navy
Top: Gap
Necklace: InPink
Skirt: Express
Boots: Madden

Timeless Polka Dots

Are you ready for an epic remix post?  Because if my memory is correct, I've had this skirt for about 15 years.  I really wish I could find a picture of teenage Andi in it, but for some reason, I didn't take pictures of all my outfits back then.  I remember mostly wearing it with my favorite hot pink tank top and a gray cardigan (and probably some awkward platform flip-flops by Steve Madden).

I bought this at Express in (I think) 1997 or 1998.  That was back when they always had an additional 50% off clearance merchandise.  Pretty sure this skirt set me back $15.  People talk about cost/wear, but I'm talking about cost/year and we are at $1.  Seriously, probably one of my best shopping decisions ever.

Here are 12 other ways I've worn this skirt over the last year-ish:

1,2,3,4

5,6,7,8

9,10,11,12

Shirt: J.Crew factory
Belt: Old Navy
Skirt: Express
Shoes: Born
Purse: thrifted

PersonalityType

Have you ever taken the Myers Briggs Personality Test?  I've never done the official one, but I've randomly taken it online over the past few years.  My dad brought it up recently in a conversation about introverts vs. extroverts, and I decided I should take it again, because I can never remember what my letters are.  Without any further ado, here's my type:

The website also has a list of famous ENFJ's, which is kind of interesting.  Some of the notable names are Ronald Reagan, Abraham Lincoln, Peyton Manning, Oprah, Johnny Depp, and King David (from the Bible).  I'm sorry, how do they know what Myers Briggs personality type King David had?  I mean, that's just ridiculous!

Sweater: Gap
Scarf: Charming Charlie
Skirt: Express
Boots: BareTraps via DSW

Topknot, Come Down!

There is a story my mom tells about one of the first times she met my dad's parents.  She had her hair up in a bun, and my grandpa started quoting scripture at her.  Matthew 24:17 says "Topknot, come down!" Implying that women shouldn't do their hair in a topknot style. 

It was a joke.  The verse actually says "Let him which is on the housetop not come down to take any thing out of his house" but my grandpa was making a little "out of context" Bible joke.  I don't think anyone knew he was joking.  He was sneaky with his humor like that.

I think about that story every time I put my hair up like this, so I figured I should share.

Sweater and Scarf: Gap
Skirt: Express
Boots: BareTraps via DSW
Jacket: Izod

Voting Fail

 

Confession:  I am not voting today.

In my defense, I had every intention of voting.  Then a few days ago, I noticed that John was getting a whole bunch of election propaganda in the mail and I was getting nothing.  I checked the voter registration website for our county and I was not listed as a voter.  I emailed them and it turns out that they have no record of forms I filled out when we moved last year.  Stupid DMV!  Since the voter registration deadline was Oct 26th, I am out of luck for voting this year.

I hope everyone else is able to vote!  Happy Election Day!

Jacket: Younkers
Shirt: NY&Co
Vest: Gap
Skirt: Express
Boots: BareTraps via DSW

Unintentional Copycat

As I was editing these pictures, I thought the outfit looked really familiar.  Then I realized it was very similar to the outfit from this pin.  (I just wish I had realized I was stealing this outfit, because I would have added a skinny belt.  I also really wish I had a polka dot scarf, which is one of the items on my birthday wish list!) 

Then I thought copying an outfit without realizing it sounded familiar, and I remembered that I read about a very similar situation on Whitney's blog the other day.  I'm beginning to wonder if there are any original thoughts left in the world. 

Sweater and Skirt: Express
Scarf: Loft
Shoes: Seychelles

On Broadway

There is still time to enter the giveaway! 

This t-shirt is very obviously a souvenir that I got a few  years ago when Wicked came to Omaha.  I had been wanting to see it for years, and it definitely lived up to my high expectations.  I would go see it again and again.  One thing I really love about living in Omaha is that we get decent Broadway Across America shows each year, but the prices aren't too high.  The last few years, I've gotten season tickets with my mother-in-law and sister-in-law and it's so much fun to have an excuse for a girls' night, plus we get to go to fun shows.  The 2012-2013 season starts in a few weeks and I am pumped!
I think I am most excited about seeing "The Lion King", because I have heard it is pretty amazing.

I'd highly recommend checking out the season ticket prices.  You get a discount, and get first dibs on the special performances each year.  Our discount has gotten bigger each year we renew, so that helps too.  Here's a little secret:  if you buy the cheapest tickets, but go on a weekday, the venue usually isn't full, and the ushers will let you move up right before the show starts.      

Do any of you go to your city's Broadway shows?  What have been your favorites?

Top: Wicked souvenir
Cardigan: Old Navy
Skirt: Express
Sandals: Carlos Santana

EBEW - Back to School Polka Dots

EBEW's September theme is "Back to School," so I figured I would do a little throwback inspiration from an old "first day of school" picture of myself.  I went to private school from 2nd grade through high school, so most of my first day of school outfit decisions were whether to wear a khaki or plaid skirt.  I had to go all the way back to Kindergarten to find a good one!

posing in front of a brick wall like a real fashion blogger!

I guess 6-year-old Andi knew I would want an excuse to wear my polka dot cardigan again. Of course, I had to wear double polka dots to channel my inspiration photo!  

Cardigan: Old Navy
Shirt: Gap
Belt: Limited
Skirt: Express
Shoes: Jellypop

Closet Ultimatum #7 - Blue Top

This top is one of those that ends up in my ironing pile and then I never wear it.  I like it, I just hate ironing.

I think I should either get a maid to iron for me, or consign this shirt.  Which option is more financially responsible?

In other news, my hair looks kind of ombre in these pictures.  I dyed it a darker brown last week, and it looks like the ends really took the dye better than the middle.   Blogger also doesn't think "ombre" is a word.  What's up with that?  Also, whenever I talk about ombre, I think of being hungry in Spanish.  "Tengo hambre" anyone? 

Top: Loft
Skirt: Express
Belt: Old Navy
Shoes: Carlos Santana 

Identity Crisis

This top is a skirt.  You might remember it from a lot of my other outfits.  I figured, if I can make dresses pretend to be skirts, why not make a skirt into a shirt.  I promise not to wear shirts as dresses - that would just be awkward. 

Top: Express shirt
Cardigan & Jeans: Old Navy
Shoes: Seychelles
Necklace: made by me

Linking up various places again today.

Back in Black

 

A couple weeks ago, I wore this outfit, and totally loved it.  So I thought I'd trade out the stripes for polka dots and I really liked this version too.  Now I'm thinking about trying stripes AND polka dots at the same time, with this argyle cardigan.  What do you think?  Would that be cute, or too crazy?

I wore this to work on Friday, and then had to leave early to run by the DMV and renew my car's registration.  That would have been faster if I'd remembered my checkbook.  I had to run to the nearest ATM to get cash.  I really don't know why they won't take a credit or debit card!  Ridiculous.

After that, I met up with some co-workers at Red Mango.  I'd never been there before, and was nervous because I don't really like yogurt, but it was pretty delicious.  When I got home, I realized I'm a total failure at social media because I didn't even instagram it.  I've got to remember to document these momentous occasions in my life.  

Shirt: Gap
Cardigan: Style&Co
Skirt: Express
Shoes: Born

FBFF - Repeat offenders

1,2,3,4,5,6

It's FBFF day again, and the theme for this week is "repeat offenders."  If you've been reading my blog, you know I am definitely a repeat offender.  If you are here for the first time, just take a look at my "popular posts" on the left.  I'm wearing the same pink cardigan in 3 of the 5 pictures!  I put together some collages of my frequently worn items.  I won't even get into the fact that I have 3 pairs of jeans that I wear ALL the time! 

1. Are you a one-time wearer? I try not to be.  I'm not a millionaire, so I try to buy items I can wear many times, and many different ways.  I do have some items that I've only worn once or just a few times.  I'm trying to be better about getting rid of these things, to make room for more versatile items.

1,2,3

2. Do you feel the need to purchase something new for an evening out or a
special event?  Sometimes, and it depends on the event.  I usually try to find something I already have that will work.  For example, I bought a new dress last spring for a friend's bachelorette party in Kansas City.  It was about $35, which is more than I would have liked to spend for a dress.  By changing my accessories, I was able to wear the same dress for Easter, another friend's wedding, a banquet for work, and my anniversary dinner last year.  $7 per wear isn't too bad!

1,2,3,4

3. Re-mixing is something a lot of bloggers are proud of being able to
accomplish - are you a re-mixing pro or do you shy away from posting items
frequently? Why?  I like remixing my items.  Most of my favorite bloggers do a lot of remixing, so when I started my own blog, it seemed totally acceptable.  I also started this blog as a way to become a better re-mixer.  Before I started blogging, I felt like I was rotating the EXACT same 14 outfits.  I'm not afraid of posting the same cardigan worn multiple ways. 

1,2,3

4. Do you have a clothing budget or are you an impulse buyer?  I'm supposed to have a budget, but I wasn't doing a good job of keeping track.  I don't think I was going way over budget, but I wanted to be a more discriminating shopper.  I'm on the tail end of a 3 month break from shopping, which has been good.  I'm afraid I would have been impulse shopping more as trends come up. Now I have a better idea of what is missing in my wardrobe, and what types of items I should be looking out for.

1,2,3,4,5

5. Do you find yourself bored when reading a blog in which clothing items
are often remixed and appear frequently?  No, I really enjoy seeing the different ways an item can be worn.  I actually like the "remixy" blogs better than the ones that never repeat.  It would be easy to get dressed every day and wear something amazing if I had an unlimited budget.  It's a little harder to come up with exciting and creative outfits when I can't go out and buy new things every week.  I like seeing bloggers who are in the same boat, and get inspiration from their remixing ideas. 


Go check out the other FBFF bloggers here!

Look, No Tights!

When I learned that Tuesday was supposed to be sunny with a high in the 70s, my first thought was that I should pretend to be sick so I could go outside and play instead of working.  After I talked myself out of that plan, I just decided I wouldn't wear tights with my skirt.

I did get some fresh air yesterday.  I recently moved offices, so I'm not in the "main" building anymore.  This means I get to walk over for meetings every so often.  On cold, snowy, rainy days, this is not pleasant.  Yesterday, I walked as slowly as possible, to soak in every second of sunshine and fresh air! 

It was such a beautiful day!  We are back to gray skies and chilly temps today, but I'm hoping for several repeats of yesterday in the coming months. 

Sweater: Gap
Jacket:  Relativity
Skirt:  Express
Shoes:  Born

Valentine's Outfit

You might think I wore this on Valentine's Day, but you would be wrong.  This is what I actually wore.  I was so busy last week finishing up the ABC challenge, that I didn't get around to posting it. 

I think I might have worn this exact outfit for Valentine's day last year.  Since I wasn't blogging at that time, there's no evidence.  If I try to pull the same shenanigans next year, I might get in trouble!

Here's a background you haven't seen before:  

This is my new office!  I am excited to be free from the wood paneling in my old office.  I also have 2 big windows now, which I'm probably gazing out in the picture above. The only downside that I can think of is that my new windows don't open.  I will definitely miss the fresh air on nice days.

Sweater: American Eagle
Shirt:  NY&Co
Skirt: Express
Boots:  Bare Traps via DSW

I'm linking up to a few places today, too:

What I Wore Wednesday

What I Wore

What I Wore Wednesday

What I Wednesday