Friday, December 31, 2010

Daily Outfits - Kate - this whole freaking break

Sooo...I've been off work since midday on 12/23, and don't have to go back until Monday.

When I have to go somewhere, it looks pretty much like this:


Only, y'know, maybe a jeanskirt instead of the tweed, or a different shawl, or grey cardigan instead of brown...

But most of the time, I'm like this:


Also, I feel it's worth noting that THAT DOG IS NOT DEAD. SHE'S JUST RESTING.

No, really. Lazy dog. Lazy, lazy dog.

<3, and happy new year!

Kate

Thursday, December 30, 2010

Daily Outfit - Jen - 12/30/10

Here it is, everyone. What I just know you've all been waiting for with bated breath. My New Year's Eve Eve outfit. Didn't I outdo myself? ;)

Okay, so the 2nd-to-last day of the year isn't anything to be pumped about, but tomorrow I will BRING IT. Possibly. It is a holiday, so I can't promise that I won't be in pajamas all day. I'll do my best.


Cardigan: Old Navy (I think)
Blouse: Ann Taylor Loft
Jeans: Nordstrom Rack
Flats: Steve Madden via DSW

Wednesday, December 29, 2010

Daily Outfit - Jen - 12/29/10

Today was a great day. Can you tell I am happy? I felt good about this outfit and feel good about the Schnauzer PJs I'm in right now. They were an xmas gift from my mom, and they're awesome.

I need a fancy dress for New Year's!



Cardigan: H&M
Blouse: H&M
Skirt: Target
Tights: Meh!
Boots: Aldo
Necklaces: Gifts (Thanks, Bopper and Misti!)

Tuesday, December 28, 2010

Daily Outfit - Jen - 12/28/10

Where the heezy did the rain come from today! Gross, but I guess I shouldn't complain since it waters things. Like grass. And my car.

I used my tripod again and am loving it. The only downside tonight was that every time I ran to my place, 3 dogs would charge at me. I know they thought that I was running to something exciting - maybe a squirrel or some yummy sticks to chew on. PSYCH. JOKE'S ON YOU. JUST TAKING SOME PICTURES, STINKERS.

So I had to have Jarod press the button on the camera. Guess I still need him after all!







Cardigan: H&M
Scarf: Gift (Thanks, Ashley!)
Belt: H&M
Tunic: H&M
Jeans: Nordstrom Rack
Boots: Target
Golden Snitch Necklace: Gift (Thanks, Beetle!)
Tablet Necklace: Gift (Thanks, Misti!)

Monday, December 27, 2010

Daily Outfit - Jen - 12/27/10

This is obviously not the way I typically dress, but given that I didn't have to go to work today, I thought I should experiment. For the sake of comfort during our drive to Houston yesterday, I wore a cotton dress with tights, a sweater, and boots. Apparently Jarod thought that outfit was a huge hit, so I tried to build on it today. I didn't get the same reaction that I did with yesterday's outfit, but it's fun to play!


Sweater: Martin + Osa
Tunic/dress: Target
Belt: Gap
Tights: Aritzia
Boots: Target
Necklace: Gift (Thanks, Misti!)

Dear Kate

I love that you emailed me to check that I'd gotten a tripod for Christmas - I think that illustrates just how dire the photo situation has been on my end. I'm so glad that I did get one. I played around with it earlier, and now I am realizing that what I need to work on are my poses. (Wannabe) fashion blogging is SO hard!

You are off from work this entire week, aren't you? I am insanely jealous. Going back to work after a 4-day weekend blows. After a regular weekend it blows, too.

Tell me all of the wonderful presents you got and all the yummy things you've baked. I will just be hanging around and in denial that I have to wake up to an alarm tomorrow.

Yours,
Jen

Thursday, December 23, 2010

Daily Outfit - Kate - 12/23/10

In honor of the last day of work 'till 2011, today I am an elf:



And a very convincing one at that, I'd wager.

So...to make this post at least marginally outfit-y - I love this color combo! Assorted blues + whites + greys + blacks. It feels very natural and comfortable. Which makes me wonder how much of an impact color has on an outfit, in general? Do you feel energized in red and orange, calm in yellow and green, or contented in blue? Maybe that would be a good way to give myself a pick-me-up in those long dark days of January.

Oh! And also! Since we had a half-day at work today and I had the whole afternoon to kill, I decided to go and get my nose re-pierced:



It's got a tiny purple stone, and I <3 it a million.

I had my nose pierced a few years ago, but then on our wedding day in May 2007 I took it out, and that night when I tried to put it back in it had already closed up. I thought the beginning of a long break would be a good time to get it re-done, so my work people don't have to see the crusty bloody bit. It's so subtle, though, that once it heals I wonder how long it will take people to notice? :-)

Cardi: Old Navy
Tee: Old Navy
Skirt: GAP
Tights: Target
Boots: Born
Shawl-as-scarf: MEEE!!
Earrings: Mom

Tuesday, December 21, 2010

Daily Outfit - Kate - 12/21/10

I got a compliment on my scarf tie at work today.



It was pretty awesome.

And now if you'll excuse me, I need to go eat peanut butter fudge and watch The Wizard of Oz.

It's tough being me.

Turtleneck: Target
Skirt: F21
Pashmina: Amazon seller
Boots: 704b, via DSW
Earrings: booth at Kirksville farmer's market
Ring: booth at Maple Leaf festival

Dear Jen

You mentioned cruising toward Friday. All I have to say is HELLS YEAH.

Except for me it's Thursday. Because I'm off on Friday, and only work a half-day on Thursday. And then I don't work until JANUARY 3. That's next year, yo.

I'm beside myself with joy. I hardly know what I'll do with myself.

Wait, yes I do.

I'm going to knit sweaters and be happy and cozy and relax-y.

I can't wait :-)

<3
Kate

PS> 83* is unholy.

Monday, December 20, 2010

Dear Kate

I think at this point it's safe to say that you and I are both just counting down until Friday, right?

I just want to curl up next to a fire and roast vegan marshmallows. Or I can just leave a marshmallow outdoors to bake since the high tomorrow is 83*.

I really want to unwrap the present that is now unquestionably a tripod (Jarod forgot that I see the credit card statement when I pay the bill, ha.) but I think I can hold tight for a few more days. I THINK.

Yours,
Jen

P.S. Loved your holiday card, classy lady!

Sunday, December 19, 2010

Daily Outfit - Kate - 12/18/10

Occasion: yarn crawl with a work friend (a new knitter!):



Is this like the un-macho-est way to wear plaid flannel? I hope so.

Shirt: Mossimo, Target, 2010
Tee: thrifted, originally Target
Skirt: Old Navy
Tights: Target
Boots: LLBean
Necklace: Mom!
Earrings: ancient history

Friday, December 17, 2010

Daily Outfit - Kate - 12/15/10

This outfit.



This outfit is the cursed thing I was wearing when I cried at work. When my lemon bars completely failed me. And when I hit an acquaintance's parked car.

I love all of these pieces individually, and none of them have failed me before.

Therefore I must figure that it's the combination - innocuous though it may seem - which is deadly.

NEVER AGAIN.

Tee: so old it doesn't matter
Cardi: Target
Skirt: GAP
Boots: Fluevog
Scarf/shawl: MEEE!!!
Earrings: Gift from Jeff, two Christmases ago :-)

Wednesday, December 15, 2010

Daily Outfit - Jen - 12/15/10

This is me sick on an unusually warm Wednesday evening. At least today I am officially on medication to, ya know, stop being sick. I wish I was on mint chocolate chip ice cream and Caramilks.


Top: Old Navy

Tuesday, December 14, 2010

Daily Outfit - Jen - 12/14/10

This is me sick on a chilly Tuesday afternoon. You may not want to give me fashion advice today, but I hope you still want to give me mint chocolate chip ice cream and Caramilks.

I need to get my hair did.




Top: H&M
Vest: H&M
Skirt: Target
Boots: Aldo

Monday, December 13, 2010

Daily Outfit - Kate - 12/13/10

Jeff drove me to work today, because I was running late and had to proctor exams and...awww hell, it's snowy.

Guess what that means?

NO BOOTS.

(But Fluevogs. Which are so comfy they might as well be boots.)



I'm not really fuzzy and angry. Just tired and worn out from trying to navigate the Trader Joe's/Target/PetsMart parking lot in the middle of December.

I'm lucky I came out of it alive, wouldn't you say?

Oh! So...outfit-y talk!

One thing I loved about this outfit is just how many components are personalized, and/or thoughtfully made. Aside from the Target cardi and GAP/Old Navy components, everything else is either handmade, and/or consciously and mindfully constructed. I love buying from small sellers or companies, and getting free pretties from my mum. It makes the outfits that much more special, eh? :-)

Skirt: Etsy
Tee: GAP outlet
Cardi: Target
Tights: Old Navy
Shoes: Fluevog
Scarf: Scarf-Shop
Earrings: Mum

Dear Jen

I have a question for you.

When you get home, do you leave your pretty work clothes on? The tights, the heels, the cinched belts...

None of those things are very comfortable, are they?

I try. I feel like I should be able to stay dressed for longer than eight hours at a time. But nonetheless, it always seems like I'm into cotton lounge pants and my old LLBean cardigan about 2 minutes after hitting the door.

I can't help it! Cotton lounge pants and my old LLBean cardigan are just so comfy, aren't they? And cinched belts and heels (generally) aren't.

I think I sense a new year's resolution coming...

I've gotta learn to stay dressed. :-P

<3
Kate

Daily Outfit - Jen - 12/13/10

This is me sick on a cold Monday morning. Aren't I pitiful? Don't you just want to send me mint chocolate chip ice cream and a box of Caramilks? Yeah, you do.

Don't you also want to give me lots of fashion advice? I know you do.




Sweater: Old Navy
Tunic: H&M
Jeans: Nordstrom
Boots: Target

Dear Kate

Jarod was wrapping a gift earlier, and it was a long skinny box! I think it's a tripod! Or a cane! But I'm pretty sure it's a tripod!

JEN :D

Friday, December 10, 2010

Daily Outfit - Jen - 12/10/10

It's the weekend, hooray! I'm already on a roll with a birthday dinner for my sweet friend, Thao, and Black Swan. Tomorrow is The Nutcracker. Sunday is wedding dress shopping. And my barre class both days. My weekend is a bit ballet-packed, come to think of it. Busy, busy, busy. Happy, happy, happy.

Blurry, blurry, blurry.







Cardigan: Old Navy
Top: H&M
Belt: H&M
Necklace: Gift (Thanks, Misti!)
Jeans: Nordstrom
Boots: Target

Daily Outfit - Kate - 12/9/10

I haz a helper.



My helper is fluffy, and deposits long orange and white hairs on my outfit.

The glare of a kitten scorned:


I'd been wanting to combine that belt with this dress since I first got it, and it has finally come to fruition!

I love this dress. It's so amazingly comfy, and versatile, and warm and happy and pretty.

::contented sigh::

::tending to my cat scratches:: (cats aren't fond of contented sighs)

Dress: LLBean
Belt: Target
Boots 704b, via DSW
Tights: Target

Thursday, December 9, 2010

Daily Outfit - Jen - 12/09/10

I am soooo exhausted. My brain hurts. I can scarcely believe that I managed to get dressed this morning, if I'm going to be honest. I'm going wedding dress shopping with my sister this weekend, so I guess I better start resting up!





Cardigan: H&M
Blouse: H&M
Jeans: Martin + Osa
Heels: Nine West

Closet Craving: Jambu Allure pump

From Jambu, at $120:



LUST LUST LUST LUST LUST.

The end.

(Thanks to Barking Dog Shoes for finding these!)

Wednesday, December 8, 2010

Daily Outfit - Kate - 12/7/10

It was 17* out when I hopped on my bike yesterday morning.

Time to pull out the cold-weather gear.




No more bare legs for me for a while, that's for sure. Good thing I <3 tights :-)

But all the same, I was sweating in my windbreaker by the time I got to campus. Hills tend to do that to ya.

Cardi: Target
Tee: GAP
Skirt: thrifted, originally F21
Tights: Target
Boots: Born
Earrings: Mom
Scarf: somewhere in Chicago

Tuesday, December 7, 2010

Daily Outfit - Jen - 12/07/10

I can't remember the last time that I loved an outfit this much. I mean, I really loved this. I forgot how much I love yellow (and skirts and belts and making a concerted effort in my appearance).

There's one teeny little regret, though. I wish I owned booties today.




Cardigan: H&M
Blouse: H&M
Belt: J. Crew Outlet
Skirt: Target
Tights: My dresser
Boots: Aldo

Dear Jen

Well, since you asked...

I HAVE NO LIFE.

I ride to work (in 17* temps. Brr!). I work. I come home. I knit 'till my fingers fall off.

I do it all again the next day. And shall continue that way, until Christmas.

I now feel the urge to start singing, "Tis the season to knit 'till ya bleed. fa la la lala, la la la la" "And, to do absolutely no-thing else, fa la la lala, la la la la". In case you were wondering, yes I do miss cooking and blogging and mindlessly trawling Google Reader.

Yesterday's outfit was hella cute, BTW. It involved red, pink, purple, and two shades of brown. And was in no way "busy", somehow. I rocked it.

Just wish I'd taken a picture of it.


Can I borrow a bit of your "blogging every day" motivation? :-)

<3
Kate

Monday, December 6, 2010

Dear Kate

My brain hurts. I need a freaking tripod. I wonder how many times that I will whine about a tripod before buying one. What's the count so far? Something like 1879719824789234? It would probably take 10 minutes max to order one online and when I'm done writing this, I won't follow through. I am ridiculous.

I miss you. Tell me about your life.

Yours,
Jen


Daily Outfit - Jen - 12/06/10

I spy with my little eye half of a stinker dog.

Also, a really tired half-Korean lady.

Also, a moderately cute outfit.


Sweater: Gap
Shirt: J. Crew Outlet
Jeans: Nordstrom
Boots: Target

Wednesday, December 1, 2010

Daily Outfit - Kate - 12/1/10

This is, to me, the quintessential fall outfit:



I LOVE how versatile that new wrap skirt - I have about a billion other outfits planned for it, too! :-) I also never get tired of this deep purple cowl-neck. I think I've worn it 30 times, if I've worn it once. Together? WIN.

Top: Target
Belt: Ummm...Target
Skirt: Etsy
Tights: Filene's Basement
Boots: Born
Necklace and earrings: mumsie

Daily Outfit - Kate - 11/30/10

Behold, my masterpiece:



OK not really but doesn't that at least sound impressive?

I did like this outfit, though - it was a great and cozy color palette, with the cheerful orange pashmina, teal turtleneck and colorful plaid skirt. Yep, this is about as bold as I ever get.

Turtleneck: thrifted, NWT from Target
Pashmina: Amazon.com
Skirt: F21, years ago
Boots: 704b, via DSW
Tights: Target
Earrings: Mom!

Tuesday, November 30, 2010

Dear Kate

Remember a long time ago when I vowed to post every day this week? Yeah, so I'm pretty sure that I am the only person in the entire universe who could forget this, but... I'm going to be out of town Thursday - Sunday. WHAT is wrong with me? I remembered this a couple hours ago. I'm surprised I didn't miss my flight altogether. I guess there's still a chance that will happen, since, you know, I'm insane.

I know that there has to be some kind of retribution for my negligence. As such, I would like to submit the following photograph.


We good? YEAH WE ARE.

Yours,
Jen

Monday, November 29, 2010

Daily Outfit - Jen - 11/29/10

I was close - soclose - to not posting today's outfit because I hate the pictures. But a promise (to myself) is a promise, so here's one picture. That's all I've got, folks! That and a cutie dog!



Cardigan: Old Navy
Blouse: Gap
Jeans: Nordstrom Rack
Boots: Target

Dear Jen

I have no outfits to show you today. Because I got rained on while riding home this afternoon, and "soaked and bedraggled" is not a good look for me. And also because I spent the entirety of this WONDERFUL LONG WEEKEND in my pyjamas.

It was amazing.

But even with all the amazingness, I've gotta confess that it was sort of nice to get dressed and do up my hair and even (yes) head back to work this morning. I just feel better when I'm put together, y'know?

(Am I alone in this?)

<3
Kate

Dear Kate

Pssst. Are you awake or in food coma?

I'm awake but just barely.

My goal this week is to blog every... zzzzzzzzzzzzz. Oh, sorry about that. My goal this week is to blog everyday.

Miss you,
Jen

Wednesday, November 24, 2010

Daily Outfit - Kate - 11/24/10

This is how I spent most of the day:



Exciting, huh? But I was freaking COLD!

When I wasn't so freaking COLD!, this is what I looked like:



I'll give the scarf a proper write-up later (w/ good pics) when I've got better light, but for now I'll just say that I like it quite a bit. It makes me happy.



It's really hard to catch the true color of my new glasses, but I think that's pretty accurate. I continue to adore them :-)

Tee: Target
Skirt: Old Navy
Scarf: Scarf Shop
Boots: LLBean
Earrings: Umm...?

Daily Outfit - Kate - 11/23/10

This was the perfect thing for the less-than-perfect stupidly warm weather.



Don't you love long flowy skirts?



I love these boots. I've had them for almost four years (I bought them on our honeymoon) and have NEVER worn them out of the house. I've always just worn them around the house, thought about wearing them out, then gotten scared of the heel height and taken them off in favor of something more reasonable.

Because I'm an old lady, you see.

Skirt: TJMaxx
Tee: GAP
Cardi: Target
Boots: BCBG
Earrings: mum

Tuesday, November 23, 2010

Daily Outfit - Jen - 11/23/10

I looked pretty girly today. My favorite part is the belt and only because I learned how to make it look cool.

I also just learned that standing here for photos is pointless without the pretty backlighting. Learn me how to take photos!





Cardigan: H&M
Blouse: Old Navy
Belt: J. Crew Outlet
Jeans: Nordstrom Rack
Headband: Claire's
Flats: Steve Madden via DSW

Dear Jen

Things which can be awesome stylish accessories:

1)Scarves
2)Belts
3)Earrings
4)Bracelets

Things which cannot be awesome stylish accessories:

1)A red nose
2)Bag Balm (my udders are fine, thanks for asking. It's for the nose.)
3)Hankies (even if they are really pretty tie-dye)
4)A lung on the floor

ASK ME HOW I KNOW.

<3
Kate

Daily Outfit - Kate - 11/22/10

I'm still fighting this stupid cold.

So yesterday I wore new Fluevogs to help:



It didn't work. I may still lose a lung at any moment.

Also? It was 70+ degrees yesterday. END OF NOVEMBER FAIL.

Skirt: thrifted; originally Talbot's
Tee: GAP
Cardigan: Sears, approx 58,000 years ago
Shoes: Fluevog, via endless.com
Earrings: mum
Bracelet: Tiffany & Co.

Monday, November 22, 2010

Daily Outfit - Jen - 11/22/10

Missed the pretty lighting this morning, because I am a SLEEPYHEAD. Also, Jarod is a sleepyhead.

I should have removed the blazer for pictures since that's how I actually wore this today. Ya know, because I should have anticipated 80* temperatures as November comes to a close. Sweating in November feels extra gross.




Blazer: H&M
Blouse: H&M
Necklace: My closet
Jeans: Martin + Osa
Heels: Nine West

Dear Kate

I think that if you and I went on a date to see Harry Potter, it would be glorious.

Feel better, shnookums. Thinking of you!

Yours,
Jen

Sunday, November 21, 2010

Daily Outfit - Kate - 11/20/10

Occasions: shopping and hanging out with Mom. Eating Thai food. Looking like a dork.



That's not just any supercute patterned tee. No, that's the DRESDEN DOLLS 2010 REUNION TOUR tee. Yes it is. Yes, yes, yes.

(Oh and that's also the cardigan from my ill-fated shopping adventure last weekend.)

Not pictured: the necklace Mom made for me. Which she gave me after we got together. And which I may never take off. You'll love it too, I'm sure.

Cardi: Old Navy
Skirt: Old Navy
Tee: Dresden Dolls tour
Boots: Fluevog
Earrings: somewhere in Iowa.

The Spoils: The F-word

My friends, I have been bad.

There was a great deal to be had on Endless last week.

And...



Which doesn't look all that exciting, I know. But you haven't looked inside yet. At this:


Oh yes I did.



(At least you know it isn't boots)



O.M.G.



I mean, what else am I gonna do when they're only $140, and there's one pair left, and THEY'RE MY SIZE?

My hands were tied.



I'm so in love.



And so poor now.



But so in love.

Surely you understand?

(Besides, I'm just working my way down the list? Which makes total sense.)
 
fashion, blog, fashionista, clothes, shoes, designer, closet, style, blogger