Gold Skirt Remix

I think it's time to say goodbye to this skirt.  It's been a good skirt and I've worn it a lot over the last 3 years, but the overlay is getting more snags in it, so I have to let it go.  But not without a remix collage first!  So without further ado, here are 23 ways I have worn this skirt in the last 3 years:

1/2/3/4/5/6/7/8
9/10/11/12/13/14/15/16
17/18/19/20/21/22/23

I remember when I bought this skirt in the summer of 2011, and thinking "how am I going to wear a gold skirt?" but I loved it and it was like $10, so I went for it.  I'm so glad I did, because I quickly learned that it's basically a neutral!  And I know I've worn it many other times, so I definitely got my money's worth.  I'm sad that it's finally going to the Goodwill pile, but it was a much-loved and frequently-worn skirt for a few years! 

And it's Tuesday, so I'm linking up with Laura for Confident Twosday!

Cardigan: Gap (similar)
Top: J.Crew Factory (exact)
Skirt: Gap (similar)
Shoes: J.Crew Factory (exact)

Really Random Thoughts

So it's Wednesday, huh?  If everything has gone according to plan, I'll be sleeping in this morning and then flying home from St. Louis in the afternoon.  I've been working nonstop the last 3 days at my company conference.  As I write this, my guess is that I've had a great time and am completely exhausted. 

Here's an outfit from last week.  As I edited photos, I noticed my pocket is all goofy, but it's too late to go back.  You probably wouldn't have noticed, but I had to mention it, so if you notice, you'll know that I know.    

It's almost time for another theme week!  I'm joining forces with Heidi next week to wear dresses for 5 posts in a row!  This is another theme I should probably just do a whole month of.  Sorry for the dangling preposition.  I'd feel pretentious if I said "This is another theme for which I should probably do a whole month."  And sometimes grammar takes a backseat to icky feelings.  I also like to sometimes split infinitives.  So now you know all my dark secrets.

Anyway, DRESS WEEK starts on June 16th!  Join us for one day or all days or somewhere in between!  Or zero days if you aren't into dresses. 

**Disclaimer - I wrote this after a 15+ hour workday, so I'm a little loopy. 

Cardigan, Blouse, Skirt: Gap
Shoes: Old Navy

#24 - Winter Must Haves

Today, I'm linking up with Laura and Ada for their Winter Must Haves!  They've been showing different way to style winter staples over the last few weeks, and I've enjoyed seeing their take on all the important winter pieces!  I've got several in today's outfit!

Sweater - I have 2 very full drawers full of sweaters.  It's important when you live in the 5th coldest city in the US! 
Bold Coat - I'm using this blazer as an example.  I mean, I still wore my big puffer coat over it, but I think it counts as a fun layer! 
Long Necklace - I kind of went a little "WEAR ALL THE NECKLACES" on this day.  I usually wear my 2 short gold necklaces together, but I think the long one adds some interest, too.
Fun tights - these tights are gray, but they kind of look black in the pictures.  I wear black tights or leggings a lot in the winter, but I like having other color/pattern options, to keep things interesting. 
Boots - Did I mention I live in a very cold city?  And we generally get quite a bit of snow, but so far, this year has been pretty dry.  Either way, I wear boots almost every day from about December-March.  I love my boots, but I'm always extra excited when there is warmer day and I can get away with flats or pumps.

Anyway, what are your winter essentials?  Go check out the linkup to see everyone's looks!

I'm also linking up for Tres Chic Thursday, What I Wore to Work, and What I Wore.

Blazer, Sweater, Skirt: Gap
Tights: Old Navy
Boots: Steve Madden
Short Necklaces: gifts
Long necklace: F21

#9 - Blackout Week!

Sometimes I start a challenge and then I find out about another challenge.  And then I just do all of them at once.  It might not be the best plan, but whatever.  You can read all the details on the Black Out Challenge here.  The short story is to not wear black for a week  (or as many weeks of January as possible).  Since about half of my 30x30 items have some black in them, I couldn't do the whole month.  But I think I can manage a week with the other half of my items.  Hooray for non-black neutrals!  So this is outfit number 1 of the Blackout challenge, and outfit number 9 of the 30X30.  Warning - this polka dot top may be in most of my non-black looks!

I really like the top/cardigan/skirt part of this look.  I think it would be much cuter without tights, and with my navy ankle strap flats.  I just might have to redo it in the spring.   

Cardigan: Old Navy
Shirt: J.Crew Factory
Skirt: Gap
Tights: Target
Boots: Steve Madden

Fashion Blogger Poses

For some reason, I happened upon the GOMI forums the other day.  I have mixed feelings about the whole thing, but I do think there are some interesting opinions out there, and most of the comments I read were more constructive criticism than just bullying/hostility.  (Granted, if I found anything mean about myself, I'd probably have a different opinion).

One of the threads was about annoying things fashion bloggers do, and I found myself being guilty of several!  One big complaint was having 10 pictures of almost the exact same pose.  I had to laugh.  I usually only post 3-4 pictures, but they tend to be pretty similar poses.  Both hands on my hips, only one hand on my hip, looking off to the side, looking down.  If I have on a jacket, I'll put my hands in my pockets for a bit.  And in my last picture up there, I just have my thumb in my pocket.  No idea why.  It's SO FASHION!  (I should really watch ANTM to get ideas)

So GOMI convicted me that I should have more diversity in my poses, and maybe even some close-up shots.  I'll try, but no promises!  I hope the critique is aimed more towards full-time bloggers.  I mean, if I didn't have a job, I could spend more time practicing my model poses and taking 100 pictures to choose from instead of about 10.

Finally, I've had a few people ask about color/fabric of this skirt.  The sparkliness doesn't always show up in pictures, so here's a closeup shot.  There's a sparkly gold thread overlay on the more shimmery gold netting of the skirt.   *It should be noted that my feet are slightly paler than my legs, but this is exaggerated by the way the sunlight was falling in this picture.   

Top & Skirt: Gap
Shoes: Target

Graphic Tee

I basically have ESP.  Exhibit A - I was already wearing this outfit on Friday when I read Bri's Third Thursday Threads announcement for "Dressed up tees" - brilliant!  There is no Exhibit B for my sixth sense, but I think I've proved my point.

This outfit was inspired by the fact that it was Friday, and I wanted to be comfortable, but I was also going to see Stomp after work, so I wanted to be a little bit fancy.  I think I achieved my goal, because this sparkly gold skirt always makes me feel fancy.  This is one of the Threadless tees I scored at Gap earlier in the summer for $2.50 and I've worn it a lot, but never on the blog.

Stomp was good, but not as good as I expected it to be.  There were some really cool moments, but it started to feel really repetitive.  It was like the same scene over and over but now they are using brooms, and now they are using matchboxes, and now trashcans.  I guess I just expected it more from it.  I was also really distracted by their outfits, because it was sort of like 1991 called and wanted their clothing back.

Have you seen Stomp?  What did you think?

I'm obviously linking up for Third Thursday Threads, as well as What I Wore to Work, Look What I Got, and Tres-Chic.

Tee and Skirt: Gap
Cardigan: Old Navy
Shoes: Target

Happy Memorial Day

 

Happy Memorial Day!  I'm very happy to have an extra day in the weekend.  I think a 4 day work week would be ideal, even if it involved 10-hour days.  Seriously, America, let's get on that!

This outfit is from Friday.  I wore it to work, and then traded my shoes for flip flops to wander around the mall and do a little shopping.  Then John and I went to see the new Star Trek movie.  It was pretty good!  During the movie, I noticed a thread hanging off my skirt.  Since I can't leave things alone, I pulled on it and pulled on it and my skirt is no longer hemmed.  Oops.  It should be a pretty easy fix, at least!

I'm joining Whitney and Heidi for their "We Love Target" link-up this week.  Today's theme is tops.  This link-up will be pretty easy for me, because I frequently end up on the clothing side of Target when I am supposed to be buying groceries.  If you have the same problem, you should link up, too!


Cardigan: Target
T-shirt: Loft
Skirt: Gap
Shoes: BCBGeneration

Anchor Sweater DIY

At some point in the last year or so, I decided that I really wanted a navy sweater with a giant anchor on the front of it (like this or this).  Then about 6 months ago, I realized my current navy sweater (worn here, here, and here) wasn't great for layering in the winter, because it is so thin.  Then, I found this one at Gap for about $6, and it's perfect for winter time.  At that point, I began scheming about how I could turn my thinner one into an anchor sweater.  I did some research on the best way to paint clothes, and found this great tutorial from one of my favorite bloggers.  Winning!  I won't rehash her instructions, but here are some pictures of my project.

Things I learned: 

1. Wax Paper is not the same as Freezer Paper.  When you try to iron wax paper onto a sweater, nothing happens.  
2. Freezer paper is surprisingly difficult to find.  I actually had to go to Wal-mart!  
3. Self-healing mats and rotary cutters are magic.  I re-remember this every time I use it.  I'm not sure I would have been able to cut out the stencil shape properly on my own.    
4. The paint I bought took 4 hours to dry.  Kayla's tutorial said the paint would dry pretty fast, so my patience was being tested!  I wanted to finish the project on Saturday, but the first coat wasn't dry, so I had to apply the second coat on Sunday evening.  I wanted to wear this sweater RIGHT NOW, so the slower than slow drying paint was annoying. 

Overall, this was a pretty simple project (once I had the appropriate supplies).  I would be interested in finding a paint that dries faster, if such a thing exists.  Don't be surprised if I do more freezer paper stencil projects! 

Sweater: Gap (DIYed)
Shirt and Skirt: Gap
Shoes: BCBGeneration

Class of '68

Believe it or not, I was NOT in the Senior class of 1968.  

I don't remember when it was, but at some point, I was helping my mom sort through her jewelry box.  I think I was probably in middle or high school.  Anyway, I thought this was cool, and she said I could have it.  (unless my memory is wrong, and I just took it, which is also a possibility.)  I don't think I've ever worn it before, but I found it in my jewelry box the other day and thought it would be fun to add to this ensemble.

Shirt: J.Crew Factory
Blazer: Limited
Skirt: Gap
Shoes: BCBGeneration
Necklace: from my mom

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

Sometimes in the Fall

I'm not sure when it happened, but the tree in our backyard decided it was definitely fall!  The leaves are much prettier than our mostly brown lawn.  The photo-shoot didn't last long before I was throwing leaves into the air.  I was just slightly concerned about the potential for spiders or other bugs that might be in the leaves.  I really didn't want to throw spiders into the air.

Cardigan, top, skirt: Gap
Shoes: Target
Bangles: Charming Charlie
Ring and necklaces: gifts from my parents

Insert Clever Title

I'll be honest - it's the end of the week and I don't have much to say.  It's been a pretty good week.  I wrapped up my very first blog giveaway, had dinner with a friend, organized my shoe collection, watched season 1 of Downton Abbey on Netflix, and had a pretty decent week at work (if you don't count a somewhat stressful altercation with a cricket in my office yesterday afternoon).

Now I am ready for a fun-filled weekend!  I'm not exactly sure how I feel about Monday being October - how did that even happen?

Any exciting weekend plans?

Top and Skirt: Gap
Shoes: BCBGeneration

Story of a Girl

I heard "Absolutely (Story of a Girl)" on the radio the other day, and was like "yeah, this is my jam!" and remembered my angsty teenage years, when I thought this was pretty much my theme song.  Probably every other 15 year old girl thought the same thing.  (No?  I'm just a weirdo?)

I mean, how was this not about me?

• My hair never falls in quite the same way
• I never run out of things to say
• I "cried a river" pretty frequently - I'm an emotional girl!  It's gotten better, I promise.

Of course, I just ignored the lyrics that I didn't understand, or didn't apply to me (no holes in the soles of my shoes).  

Now that I'm older and wiser, I suspect songwriters just throw a bunch of quirky behavior into their lyrics, so every girl in the world will relate to the song.  I guess that's okay.  

Please tell me I'm not alone here - are there any songs you thought were about you?  Like every green-eyed girl in the world did with Coldplay's "Green Eyes"? 

Skirt and Cardigan: Gap
Tank Top: H&M
Shoes: BCBGeneration

Closet Ultimatum #6 - Plum Sweater

This outfit, featuring Item #6 in the Closet Ultimatum Challenge, has been declared one of John's most favorite outfits.  With that in mind, I think I should keep the sweater!

I bought it at Gap Outlet in Tempe, AZ in February of 2011 when I was visiting a friend.  There's nothing really wrong with it, but it ended up in the back of my closet and I haven't worn it at all this summer, so I added it to the maybe pile.  I guess I should add it to the regular rotation!

You can't really tell from the pictures, but the top is really a dark purple shade.  For some reason, it looks brown in the photos.

I also need to watch some tutorials about putting hair in a bun.  Since my hair is basically velcro unto itself, I just tie it in a knot when I want a bun.  I need something a little more classy looking!  

Top and Skirt: Gap
Shoes: BCBGeneration
Pearls: gift from a friend (from China)

OTI - Winner's Pick

So, I skipped a couple of the OTI link ups this week.  I've been too busy chasing my nieces around to get dressed in cute outfits.  I'm talking shorts and tank tops here.  But today, I had to go back to work, and was excited to tackle this Open to Interpretation outfit.

At first, I had on my purple skirt, because I really liked the flowy silhouette in the inspiration picture.  Then I remembered that I was going to start checking the wind forecast before wearing flowy skirts - strong winds.  So, purple skirt is out - gold skirt is in.  I really like the result!

I had big plans to take awesome pictures when I got home, and add sunglasses to the mix, but then it looked like this outside:

So I had to settle for some indoor shots, but I still added my sunglasses to one picture.  

I'm also catching up on FBPhotoaDayJune on Instagram (just_another_smith).  Follow along and join in if you want to!

Shirt, Cardigan, Skirt: Gap
Tank Top: Target
Shoes: BCBGeneration