WIW 05.17/18 [double duty]

We were expecting a lot of rain this weekend and had planned on indoor projects, but it actually turned out quite nice!

Saturday I wore this out for breakfast, then later to play with my sis's kitty while she's out of town followed by the grocery store for dinner fixins. In between we took advantage of the good weather and tackled trimming back our very large and dense Japanese maple, and I also clipped various flowers from the garden to arrange inside later in the evening. For that I just popped on a hoodie and some gardening shoes. I usually wear my BF jeans on the weekend specifically because I can easily swap out the top/shoes as needed; I like these pants too much to garden in them though I risked it this time ^^ Sunday I wore this outfit again for a visit to a nearby quirky furnishings boutique (we got a great toile+houndstooth armchair and a pair of small crystal decanters) and then a quick run to the grocery store.

I feel like I'm finally starting to get a good handle on the types of stylistic adjustments I need for happiness AND functionality in weekend outfits. Even though my life is pretty casual, as much as I'd like to just use my usual stuff in weekend outfits I have come to realize that I need a separate truly casual capsule for daily weekend life, especially in spring/summer. I'm not a capsule gal but this is something I think would really help give me good peace of mind so hopefully I can get a good base capsule together this season. I'll write more thoughts on this soon in a separate post.

This outfit is a pretty good representation of what I'm after. Simple, but still interesting in that there are no duplicated colors. Plus a bunch of cream! The tank is actually a very dark navy, I just accidentally overexposed. I also pulled out an old favorite better-than-nude peach lipstick that's full of little gold sparklies, which added just enough glam for me. Hubby felt this was a little too baggy all over, but didn't dislike it. Hey, that's a win in my book :)

Comments, critiques, thoughts and questions welcome.

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WIW 05.16 [zigs and zags]

A quick side story that is probably funnier to those not me (OK also to later me, once I get this resolved): Today my blow dryer quit, just stopped turning on. What's a gal to do when her hair is full of goo and soaking wet?? Well, the obvious option: "blow dry" over a heating vent. Yep. This is heating vent hair, ladies. While I wouldn't recommend this as a styling technique, all things considered it's pretty good ;) I'm unexpectedly happy that it cooled down enough today that I could turn the heat on for a bit! Also that I don't wash my hair daily.

Even though it's 10 degrees cooler than yesterday, it feels warmer than the temps show because it is quite muggy out (here comes that rain). I'd originally planned to wear this to a ballgame which turned out to be next week, but it's perfect for the type of mild weather we've got today. Initially I had the jacket open with a dark teal tank and my gold smoking slippers... and disliked it so much I almost scrapped the look. On a whim I tried zipping up the jacket and it instantly felt a lot better. What a surprise! I did like the look with the gold flats, but today was in a daintier mood so I went with the white pumps instead. Accessorized with a layered coral necklace that only partially shows through the asymmetrical collar, pearl studs, and my sequin clutch for some extra glam. Finished things off with bright orange lipstick for a little cohesion with the coral and an extra swipe of mascara, just for fun. Happy Friday, everyone!

Available items collected below. Comments, critiques, thoughts and questions welcome.

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WIW 05.15 [rusting in the dark]

Today is, sadly, the last in a short but glorious string of really warm days; tomorrow will be cooler, and next week quite a lot cooler. Hubby and I had thought we had tickets to a baseball game tonight, so I'd planned on a warm-weather-with-layers outfit... but we were a week off and they're actually for next Thursday! That, along with the fact that hubby doesn't like these shorts nor the pomp-pony AND Fridays are date night, prompted me to wear what I was going to wear tomorrow today (mouthful!). As a result, I'm doing something I almost NEVER do: wear the same shoes two days in a row. I like to give them a good rest between wears, but also wanted to wear this outfit since it's entirely likely that it'll be a good while before we see temps in the 80s again!

Wearing so much black is not something I've done often in spring/summer the past several years. In fact, I rarely even wear black footwear in spring/summer so this is all kinds of different! That said, I've been into the idea of pairing pastels with black for a slightly less graphic feel over black and white. The shorts aren't really pastel but they are muted, and my skin being pale also gives me a "pastel" to work with. I'm also into the idea of pairing black with my very faded denims, which isn't something I've done in a good while either. This particular color combo isn't much of a stretch when I think about it since orange+white is one of my favorites, and my hair is always going to add some black; I've just got different proportions of those colors here.

To ease into the black top thing, and to pick up on the white in the shoes, I did feel the need to add the big cream necklace which does double-duty as a bit of filler for this low cut mixed-media shirt. I chose my white clutch to keep it springy, copper pyramid studs to go with the rust, and while I tried my darker-framed retro sunnies initially I settled on this peachy pair because it felt appropriately lighter. Finished the look off with candy coral-pink lipstick because it was just so opposite everything else in the outfit.

And just for fun, more typical faces; I tend to have rather *ahem* animated expressions ^^

Available items collected below. Comments, critiques, thoughts and questions welcome.

EDIT: Well wouldn't you know it, hubby invited me out for dinner so he has to deal with the shorts and hair anyway!

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WIW 05.14 [all the stripes]

A dramatic outfit utilizing Angie's recent post's tips: I've got numbers 1, 3, 4 (sorta), 5, 6, 7, 9, and 10 working here but it feels very normal for me. I had this outfit planned at the start of the week, but I think it illustrates quite well how I use so many of those ideas daily.

Another gloriously warm day and my office which has no AC, has been slowly heating up since we've had consistent warm weather for a couple days now. Today I went extra simple in terms of pieces though each has an interesting cut (a favorite warm-weather dress, a bold necklace, and trendy flats), but went all-in with stripes/lines to create visual interest. I've got them everywhere: on the dress, the strap of the shoes, the necklace, the clutch, and even the screw-top studs have a line across them. Pulling my hair back also emphasizes two more horizontal elements, my brows and lips, but this effect was unintentional; I just didn't have time to wash my hair this morning ;) I chose bright red lipstick to keep up with the graphic vibe (plus it matches my nails), and the circular screw-top studs because their incongruous round shape would draw a little more attention to my face.

Happy to report that these new flats were pretty comfortable, and that the strap doesn't rub funny. They seem to run quite large. I ordered the smaller of my two usual sizes, and even these are a bit big; I may have actually fit into a further half size down, but kept this size because these are sandals for me so I wanted to accommodate any foot swelling due to heat. I'll have to test them out on a more walking-heavy day to see how they do, but for now I am so happy to finally have my black ankle-strap pointy shoes after a year of searching! I'm even happier that they've got a healthy dose of white in them.

Available items collected below. Comments, critiques, thoughts and questions welcome.

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WIW 05.13 [breezy blush]

It was a beautiful day up in my neck of the woods, 85F with a light breeze. Probably my happiest weather. That lovely breeze made photos today a total pain though, hair and blouse flying all over the place! ;)

My original outfit plan included a new pair of dressy blush shorts, but they turned out more sheer than expected (I need to play with them a bit before deciding whether or not to keep them, I'm a bit bummed) so I swapped them out for these slouchy cotton cargo crops while keeping the rest of the outfit the same. I'm just as pleased with the results, though this version is certainly more casual. I've been loving the combo of blush+white+yellow this season, but don't have much yellow with which to wear it: these stingray flats and a golden gingham top are pretty much it! Last time I wore the combo I added a big dose of black, today had to include some gray. Maybe one of these days I'll get to wear the combo pure, heh. I personally love sheer tops for hot weather, I just pop a semi-sheer breezy cotton tank underneath.

I managed to sleep most of my curls out last night and was going to wash it to get them back, but rather liked the beachy-wavyish look with today's outfit so I left it. Accessorized with boho metals in gold, rose, silver and brass (earrings, pile of rings, bracelet, watch, belt); the belt isn't really visible unless I'm moving or stretching, but I enjoy those types of details. Initially I grabbed my white clutch to keep with the original color palette, but thought it'd be more fun to pile on more circles so I grabbed this rarely worn mini bucket bag (which also adds another metallic and plays with the boho vibe) and added almost-circular peachy sunnies. Finished the look off with a less expected bright orange lip gloss (much brighter than it looks here, though it's sheer).

Comments, critiques, thoughts and questions welcome.

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WIW 05.12 [black and white and periwinkle kitties]

We're slated to have some wonderfully summery weather this week, and today didn't disappoint! 75F at my house, but all the way up to 85F over where I had to run errands. Including picking up my flares from the tailor which is located a few cities away and near my husband's work, so we also had dinner out there before heading home. When I picked up the flares I tried them on and the length seemed good; when I tried them on again at home I found that they're actually a bit too long! Like a half inch or so. Debating what to do about that. Since the bell is still a good size and the denim is soft, it ends up with a slouchy hem break instead of the cleaner 70s bell that I was after. Debating whether to leave it or what. Not really looking forward to driving all the way back out there, telling him that actually the length wasn't right, and then waiting another week for them... Although I suppose by the time they're done the weather should cool back down again :\

Today I figured I'd be inside and running around a bit so I wanted easy-breathing and somewhat covered, which ended up working well since we had dinner half-outside and it was so deliciously warm. Started with the white pumps, since I wanted them for trying on the flares, and these silk/cotton cargoes then went from there. Kept up the silky theme and paired the kitty-print silk blouse since I'm loving my pastels with graphic white/black this season, with sleeves up and semi-tucked for structure; sleeves up also helps with warmth, and the belt adds some extra white in there (I love the double belt loops with the white, too). Accessorized with metals, rose-gold for the watch and white for the hoops, along with a metallic bag. Rounded out the look with soft curls and better-than-nude sheer coral lip balm for a natural/boho touch, and a pair of new peachy almost-round sunnies.

Available items collected below. Comments, critiques, thoughts and questions welcome!

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WIW 05.11 [happy mother's day]

A late happy Mother's day to you all! We spent the first half of the day at my folks' and then off to hubby's folks' for the second half. Today's outfit needed to suit lunch inside, walking around a lavender farm, and an outdoor BBQ dinner. I wasn't sure what to expect from the lavender farm, so I started with the boots and went from there. I really need to get myself more casual footwear options that can take a beating and get dirty; right now, these boots are it. Huge wardrobe hole right now.

Even though it was warm out today I knew it would get cool later, so I chose full length pants (warm + sun coverage) and a sweater with silk sleeves (warm, but not too warm). I added the belt+semituck because I felt like the BIG sweater needed some extra structure, especially since in the evening the sleeves would come down. A brown belt is an easy choice to go with the brown boots, but a brown-based leopard is a more fun choice! Accessorized with gold (earrings, purse) to go with the earthy vibe, retro sunnies to add back a little femme flair, and a swipe of cherry lip gloss. Also, my mom likes my hair when it's its curliest, so I wore it extra curly for her today ^^

Nail detail can be found here. Comments, critiques, thoughts and questions welcome!

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WIW 05.10 [boho stripes, circles, and layers]

Today I've got some errands to run, then later in the evening hubby and I are headed to a friend's for a BBQ (we'll see if the weather holds, though). "Easy to move in" and "sort of warm" were the motivating factors for this outfit. I started with the ponte pants and zebra print scarf, and built the rest around those two items. I haven't been wearing my scarves much the past two years though I still like them, and while I'd initially thought it had something to do with simplifying my outfits it dawned on me just today that it might actually be due to the big hair chop of 2012. When my hair was long I could put it up or let it hang over a scarf, but with short hair the whole thing just gets extra fussy and fluffy. The last time I wore this scarf I also put my hair up, perhaps not so coincidentally!

Like most people I prefer a longer top or a tunic over ponte pants. Since it's cool out today I figured the longer the better, and grabbed this short sweater dress (plus it's fun that the dress stripes are perpendicular to the pants vertical stripe, AND of course plays along with the zebra's stripes). At that point it felt very autumnal and didn't have enough lightness to balance the scarf, so I thought about swapping to a darker scarf buuuuut I just couldn't bring myself to wear something so dark. Instead I added light nude boots which play nicely with the boho vibe of the scarf, and my new almost-white denim moto which plays nicely with the pomp-pony. I got this little jacket to wear with summer dresses, though I have a feeling it's going to end up being worn most without them. I'd thought I would be taking the scarf off at some point, but rain keeps threatening so I just don't think that's going to happen; included a photo of it anyway, just as some rain started coming down ;) Accessorized with little long spike earrings and the screw-head studs Una posted (which mirror the buttons on the moto, too), checked-and-mirrored sunnies, white clutch, and finished with a swipe of better-than-nude sheer coral lip balm (and wore mascara unlike most weekends, BBQ and all). Nail detail can be found here.

Available items collected below. Comments, critiques, thoughts and questions welcome!

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WIW 05.09 [inspired by Angie's khaki formula]

OK work with me here! These aren't true khakis but they are a light cotton twill, and embody the "close enough" aspect this outfit has to the ensemble even though I do not technically have one element in its title ;) So: Slouchy cotton pants, check; rolled: technically check, it's just a teeeeny tiny little roll. Fluid top, check; semi-tucked for additional structure, check. Topper, nope. Gladiators, unfortunately not but I feel like these gold smoking slippers are both casual and earthy enough. Belt, check. Causal bag, uhhhh nope couldn't manage that one, had to grab a clutch of course. A quick note on the belt: I wanted to see the studs, so I pulled the belt around one loop over and buckled it at my side ^^ Accessorized with white watch to add to the casual feel, BIG turquoise earrings inspired by LeopardLuxe's awesome turquoise jewelry, and light pink lip gloss to add a little softness.

I think I've got the casual vibe of the outfit here, but it is a bit more polished and definitely feels less boho. I also didn't realize until I was putting the photos together that I probably should've tried to smooth this new sweater out before wearing it, gah. It's from Forever21 and about the quality you'd expect, so I plan to just have fun with it for the season while it lasts. I do like the idea of the solid front and patterned silk back though, a different take on the upscale sweater/sweatshirt. A little more casual than I usually wear to work, but that's fine. Plus hubby and I are thinking of heading down to catch the ballgame later tonight and it's definitely appropriately casual for that (but drat, no coat and no scorebook with me!). Happy Friday, everyone!

Available items collected below. Comments, critiques, thoughts and questions welcome.

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WIW 05.08 [semi-ladylike plaid]

Another red outfit for a particularly gloomy and wet day. It didn't start out nearly as wet or else I'd have worn booties and a coat, sheesh :p

Felt like going red to match my nails again, this time on the bottom. I bought this navy, nubby, zipper-front sweater/jacket during a New Year's trip to Las Vegas this past winter as an emergency warm layer; my husband actually picked it out (so not something he ever does) not expecting that I'd wear it beyond the trip, but I actually rather like it and have worn it a couple of times since. It's quite thick and lined which makes me think that it's a jacket, but it also has a wide panel of fabric next to the zipper inside which makes it look silly left open. So for me it's a sweater to be worn zipped up! Is it weird that I don't really like how I look in navy? I don't have much of it, but the heathered look of this one feels better than most.

I enjoy the juxtaposition of the ladylike sweater with the plaid pants, and had initially planned to go full ladylike and sport heels and a pretty bag. With the gloomy weather, though, I felt like a less dressy bottom half so I'll wear the pumps version another time. I was a little concerned it looked too dark without adding any white, but ultimately decided that the exposed skin (face, arms, feet) added more than enough "white" to keep the look crisp. Since I went more with the punky side of the clothing, I accessorized with pastel blue earrings and my black+neon lined clutch for a bit of extra subversion. Cherry-pink lip gloss and retro sunnies finish the look off, close up of nails on yesterday's post.

While the current overarching fit trend is to fluid and oversized, wearing a fitted top and semi-loose skinnies may be off but mixing these items here feels plenty current to me. The more extreme combo with all ladylike items is probably a bit more forward but the vibe of this outfit makes me happy, especially with wild hair, so I'm going with it ^^

Comments, critiques, thoughts and questions welcome!

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