Aida ~

A few casual weekend outfits with the light blue, white, and pearl gray ensemble, a favorite palette of mine! These colors are well represented in the casual part of my wardrobe, definitely less options on the dressy end right now.

#2 Saturday 06.11. Worn to run errands. A little sporty with the linen striped sweater and perforated flats, and a little boho with the gray fringed clutch and silver jewelry. Finished with better-than-nude peachy lip balm.
 
#3 Sunday 06.12. Worn out to lunch and a walk on the waterfront. My best options for the ensemble! Accessorized with aqua metallic snakeskin box clutch, rock crystal stud earrings, and cherry lip gloss. This is one of my most worn weekend outfit formulas -- patterned sweater, skinny jeans, sleek footwear, light gloss, and soft extra-messy hair.

#4 Monday 06.13. Worn to pick up my sis from the airport, so the main outfit goal was "comfortable for 3 hours driving in the car." Went with an ultra soft ultra oversized aqua sweater, white slim BF jeans, and taupe shooties. Added a little "gray" with the silver holo clutch and new marbled double-ball earrings (H&M). Finished with bubblegum pink lipstick for a little brightness.

#5. Detail photos.

As always comments, critiques, thoughts and questions welcome!

Feeling graphic and bright this week ^^

Definitely feeling like my style shift is coming together. New pieces that fit help but so does reminding myself of two things:

1. Just because things CAN be paired together doesn't mean they HAVE to be.
2. I can, and more importantly should, boss my clothes around to make them work better for me!

Monday 06.06. Previously posted here. To recap: bright saturated red-rust with muted orangey-rust.

#2 Tuesday 06.07. A repeat outfit (top, skirt, shoes) with different support cast (jacket, jewelry, clutch). Liked the color clash with the clutch, and finished with cherry-pink gloss.
 
#3 Wednesday 06.08. Sportier red/white/black outfit. Initially planned for white pumps but red sneaks felt more fun. Liney clutch for a little hectic print/color mix and same cherry gloss as day before. New giant silver hoops! Now my favorite gold pair can get a break which is good because they're starting to look worn *sniffle*

#4 Thursday 06.09. BRIGHT! Not for everyone perhaps but for me ridiculously high happiness -- bright happy colors (yes, plural!), lots of white, pretty, and most importantly everything fits right. Finished with more white (earrings, cuff, new pumps), matching candy pink lipstick, and matte silver clutch. Also liked the outfit sans jacket for a warmer day. Favorite outfit of the year. Have a hunch this outfit is going to overshadow the others ;)

#5 Friday 06.10. Double florals and a whole pile of bright white (would be happy to throw in a floral clutch if I had one!). Still in a color clash mood: the sheer blouse (made by our wonderful Firecracker! colors are correct in detail photo) is a warm print while the pumps are cool. Quite enjoyed the look of the blouse tied up a little prim with the fitted skinnies+pumps; ties left long to skew boho. Blush rock crystal earrings for a touch of sparkle, fringed gray clutch to add a little more boho, and plum gloss to keep things from getting too sweet feeling.

#6. Detail photos.

As always comments, critiques, thoughts and questions welcome!

This past weekend we had a mini heat wave, far hotter than is normal for this time of year (or even in the dead of summer, some years) for the Pacific Northwest -- temps from the mid 80s through low 90s. The area I live is a bit milder so we maxed out at 85F, but I did see up to 93F in other areas I ventured to. Should cool down to more normal temperatures tomorrow. Casual, simple, and heat-beating was in order!

#2 Saturday 06.04. Breakfast at a favorite small coffee shop near the water, then spent most of the day in the garden leisurely planting flowers and cleaning out our waterfall-pond water feature. Outside was sans cardigan and I did swap to simple thong sandals for the wet work. Jersey roomy tank with baggy denim shorts, finished with a little shine (sandals, earrings) and peachy nude lippie. Cardi was a great leg-protector from hot leather car seats!
 
#3 Sunday 06.05. Hottest day, mostly spent lounging on the back patio sipping iced tea in the shade and enjoying the new flowers. Did a quick outlet run with my husband for a summer shirt and jeans for him; I looked for white denim shorts but didn't find anything good. Short linen dress with mint (earrings, sandals) and blue (clutch) accents.

#4 Monday 06.06. Ruffle sleeve blouse and slouchy pleated tencel shorts for work today. I know the mixed saturations won't be everyone's cuppa but I am enjoying it; top is a very saturated red-rust, shorts are a very muted orange-rust. Finished with loads of shine (bronze sandals with gems, looooong metallic beaded earrings, rose mirror sunnies) and a little contrasting blue/turquoise (clutch). Finished with a swipe of rusty-mauve lipstick.

#5. Detail photos.

Hope you all had a lovely weekend, and that my fellow Cascadians were able to keep comfortable! As always comments, critiques, thoughts and questions welcome.

This morning I had to get up verrryyy early -- 4:30am, and 
I'm so not a morning person! -- to drive my sis to the airport. For that part of the day I groggily managed my tuxedo-stripe sweats, an oversized charcoal sweater, checked flats, and gray rock crystal studs (+oversized sunnies, of course) with hair up. No photos but it was quite comfy for three hours in the car.

After that I returned home and got ready for work as usual. Angie's ensemble post this morning was just what I am in the mood to wear! Debuting one of two new ruffle hem tops; the color in the stock photo is more accurate than mine though it's as bright as my photos show. Juicy watermelon shades are usually too cool for me but happily this one is nice and warm! This top also needs a little torso slimming if I manage to get around to it but I might also just leave it extra roomy as it's a very lightweight cotton and quite comfortably breezy. Paired with white and more pink (why not!), along with matching lippie and new hoops/sunnies picked up while shopping with my sis yesterday (I might have a problem with giant hoops! Can't stop wearing!).

Loooove wearing cheerfully bright outfits so this has a super high happiness factor :D

Comments, critiques, thoughts and questions welcome!

On Angie's post yesterday about the neckerchief trend, I wrote that I'm on the fence though there is a fun retro appeal; I wore them back in my practicing punk/ska days and have a little box full of pretty vintage silk squares tucked away. Couldn't get Joy's fabulous outfit from yesterday out of my head. So! Of course I had to wear something inspired by it today ^^ 

Pulled out one of the few squares that never got put away in the holding box, vintage to either the 1960s or 1980s. Paired with a "new" oversized boxy leatherette-front tee -- a piece gambled final sale in fall 2013 that turned out a size+ too large, so has remained unworn (could definitely use some taking in at the top and through the sides, if possible). The leatherette part is thick but pliable so it doesn't exactly drape but it also isn't overly stiff; the back/sleeves are ponte. I'm gambling today that it doesn't look as oversized as it feels!

Faded jeans and black ankle-strap flats to finish the outfit, as Joy had in hers. Accessorized with gray rock crystal studs for a little extra glam, striped clutch because two patterns just isn't enough (hah! but, seriously, it's not), retro sunnies to go with the retro vibe of the scarf, and a swipe of cherry pink lipstick for a little sweetness/color contrast.

Surprised to find I enjoyed the little silky neckerchief (probably from the retro/western vibe), and will likely wear one again. Might even dig up an old gray/white bandanna from the motorcycle gear bin for a more casual weekend outfit. Thanks for the inspiration, Angie and Joy!

Comments, critiques, thoughts and questions welcome.

Angie's ensemble post last Friday is one of my very favorite color combos, especially with orange, white or pale denim blue thrown in! While I would normally be able to sport all kinds of variations on this theme, at the moment my options in these colors which can be worn together are  limited. Couldn't wait to wear this outfit since it's cool out today ^^

Composed almost entirely of older somewhat sentimental pieces, except for the jeans which are from this season: the red jacket was purchased in LA during a big YLF meetup, several forum members had/have this Angie-pick blush sweater, the gold shoes were a gift from my sister, and the designer of the watercolor printed clutch is the only other person I've come across who shares my sister's name (!) down to the unique spelling. Finished with blush rock crystal earrings, retro sunnies, and a swipe of cherry-pink lip gloss for a little more glam. Was hoping my newish navy mascara and eyeliner would show in the detail photo but it doesn't much appear to so you'll have to take my word for it ;)

A happy outfit, though still feeling rather self conscious sans jacket in such a fluid/fitted silhouette (I'll get used to it eventually? The loud colors though, they're totally cool). I'm also thinking no roll on the jeans would've been a little better proportionally but I liked how it echoed the 3/4 jacket sleeves.

Comments, critiques, thoughts and questions welcome!

Hello ladies! Been popping in and reading, but we had family visiting (very rare!) so I've been pretty busy the past couple weeks. And this is a short work week because hubby and I are headed out to eastern Washington for the Desert 100 tomorrow (he's riding). So it's been hectic but good!

I've been trying to keep with the style thoughts that came up in my spring tweed post, mainly to try and incorporate something classic, something pretty/glam, something retro, and something punk/boho. It warmed up this week, though, so the boho side definitely took over. Also swapped my mascara from my usual super black to a new ink shade and am looooving it (even though no one but me can tell).

#2 Monday 03.28. A cooler day so I wanted to play with lightweight layering and tonality. I don't think the boots are quite so bright in person but the warm cognac definitely clashes with the cooler taupe tights (which I find delicious).
  Newer: sleeveless sweater, boots, sunnies
  Older: cardi, shorts, tights, jewelry, clutch

#3 Tuesday 03.29. Got all dressed and snapped photos with the gray pumps then realized that both heel caps had come off! Swapped to gold slipper flats but didn't have time to retake photos -- so I snapped a quick Nordies bathroom shot ^^ Light pink lippie and silver holo clutch (which matched more with the gray shoes, and stands out more with the gold).
  Newer: blouse
  Older: faux leather capris, shoes, jewelry, clutch, sunnies

#4 Wednesday 03.30. Warm enough to go without a cami, woohoo! On the lookout for another summer weight very cropped top but will enjoy this sweater while spring is here. Paired with a beloved skirt for a breezy but warm day. For a little extra color contrast I chose a baby blue box clutch, fished up decade-old self-made turquoise earrings, and finished with some bubblegum pink lipstick.
  Newer: sweater, clutch
  Older: skirt, flats, jewelry, sunnies

#5 Thursday 03.31. "New" navy tuxedo culottes purchased early last spring then set aside in too-safe a place so this is their first outing ;) A little long but fine with taller heels. Grabbed a cropped denim jacket just in case and finished with bright red lipstick. Not sure where the idea for this outfit came from but it hits alllll the right notes and I'm very happy in it today!
  Newer: nothing!
  Older: everything!

#6. Detail photos.

Hope you all have a lovely weekend! As always comments, critiques, thoughts and questions welcome.

Another take on Angie's fab tweedy ensemble this morning ^^

A fun mix of old/new and high/low. This navy/black/gold tweedy jacket is from Zara a few years back, and the Eileen Fisher linen-blend shell is pushing 11 years -- quality is brilliant, especially since it's a knit. Jeans are from early last fall, and of course new silver pumps which several forum members also have. Incidentally they the only successful purchase I've made this year, though I have a few boxes of white jeans to try this weekend (fingers crossed!).

Messier hair, basically what I do for bed ;) I like it much better than the sleeker ponytails I've been doing (which jived better with the rockabilly bangs versus these little curly doodads). Finished with some blush crystal rock studs, coral triple layered necklace, and a swipe of bright red lipstick. Retro clutch and sunnies for, well, more retro.

HUGE high happiness factor. Been very slowly working towards the new style direction and this is spot on. A little more classic perhaps, definitely more retro+pretty, and of course still glam with touches of punk (and boho, other days).

Comments, critiques, thoughts and questions welcome!

Following Angie's post about outfit comfort I decided to spend a few days in outfits that pushed me out of my comfort zone in one way or another. Oh yes, also, I changed my hair style (bangs!!) ;) Had it done just before a 9 day car trip (more on that in a future post) and may-or-may-not like it, still undecided after a month; the good news is that it photographs well and other people seem to like it so it's probably just me -.-

Perhaps not the best week to do it; was feeling ill, just returned from the long car trip, and adjusting to the new hair style which felt a bit of a shock. Still it was a very useful exercise and I'm happy with the results. Primarily I am looking for ways to incorporate more tailoring and structure to my overly-full-of-slouch wardrobe, and am really feeling the need to temper any masculine elements with the new hair.

#2 Tuesday 02.16. Uncomfortable thing: Jacket done up, generally fitted top half. I had the jacket open at first but it definitely looked better zipped up. So I bit the bullet and survived the day just fine! Really love the red+rust combo, and especially like the cool gray thrown in the mix. Pink lipgloss and coral/gold earrings for a contrasting finish.

#3 Wednesday 02.17. Reprisal of an earlier rainy day outfit. Uncomfortable thing: The boyish top half but only because of the new hair. Easily offset by my favorite dainty heeled booties, some pink lipstick, and a pile of rings. 

#4 Thursday 02.18. Uncomfortable thing: All over hectic slouch. Went with a couple of favorites -- love this silk-sleeved sweater even though it's hectically oversized, and am particularly fond of wearing my cheetah booties with these pants -- and then added a rarely worn necklace for a bit of literal hardness. Finished with plum lipgloss and dainty gold earrings (little square posts and a cuff).

#5 Friday 02.19. Uncomfortable thing: Fitted top half and an overall dark look with a lot of black. One good thing about the new bangs is that they're pretty fun with hair up! I'm happiest when wearing black with hair up and skin showing, so I went halfway here: hair up and pumps, but left the sleeves down which I really liked. Added deep red lipstick and gray rock crystals for some extra glam.

#6 Saturday 02.20. Back to normal dressing! A fun little denim-on-denim look for a social work event. This is more in line with the type of "oversized" I'm working towards in my wardrobe these days (i.e. significantly reigned in). The big ankle gap won't be everyone's cuppa but I like the slight awkwardness of the look.

#7,8. Bonus casual weekend outfits! First worn to hang with my sis and catch up on some TV. Second worn for the traditional Valentine's aquarium visit (a week late as we were driving all day on the 14th).

#9,10. Detail photos.

Comments, critiques, thoughts and questions welcome!

This week I had the unexpected and unwelcome challenge of needing outfits that could take me overnight at the ER (and help with errands, chores, etc.) after a close family member was hospitalized Monday. Luckily it hasn't been necessary and hopefully the next few days are the same. Minus Monday, these outfits are more typical of my weekend wear rather than my usual work wear.

#2 Monday 01.25. Experimenting with soft pants tucked into tall boots. Liked the cropped sweater at first, but found it fussy at the hospital (plus way, way too warm). Felt much better after changing; ...
  Newer: pants, sweater, earrings
  Older: boots, coat, clutch, sunnies

... in the evening hubby brought me an overnight bag including the brown boots in #5 and an oversized charcoal sweater which I wore with the pants in #2 straight through Tuesday night. Was tooooo tired to snap a photo when I eventually got home after 28 hours (most of it awake) at the hospital, but I actually liked the outfit so I'll probably wear it again sometime.

#3 Wednesday 01.27. Was bummed to find that this sweatshirt dress shrunk a bit when I last washed it; I'm hoping I can re-block it back to longer next wash! Simple styling with leggings, boots, and neon necklace.
  Newer: dress, sunnies
  Older: leggings, boots, necklace, coat, clutch

#4 Thursday 01.28. Similar to an outfit from last week for a very soggy day, swapping the top half for a cozy oversized sweater. I liked the other hair 'style' better; this felt a little too boyish. Worn with sentimental necklaces, the shorter a gift of a few favorite charms from my mom and the longer a gift from my husband way back when.
  Newer: sweater, jeans, hat
  Older: boots, necklaces, coat, clutch

#5 Friday 01.29. Not sure what this is but I felt very happy in it! Western 70s glam? ;) Initially tried untucked with stud earrings but MUCH preferred tucked with giant hoops. Bonus that my husband likes this outfit!
  Newer: blouse, jeans, sunnies
  Older: boots, earrings, coat, clutch

#6. Detail photos.

Comments, critiques, thoughts and questions welcome!