Daily Outfit - Jen - 01/28/11

Do you want to see how I type when I am happy?

THIS IS HOW I TYPE WHEN I AM HAPPY. I AM SO HAPPY BECAUSE OF THIS:

My outfit one year ago.

Cardigan: H&M

Shirt: H&M

Belt: J. Crew Outlet

Jeans: Nordstrom Rack

Boots: Target

Bow hairclip cleverly disguised as a fancy brooch: Etsy seller Sandyalamode

Daily Outfit - Kate - 1/26/11

I was told yesterday by a very uninformed person that this outfit was "over the top" because I was wearing a "corset".



The perils of being surrounded by nerds, I guess. (The perils of being surrounded by one hyperactive large blonde dog musn't be discounted, either)

But despite all that, I love this waistcoat.

I also wanted to talk about that buttondown for a minute. I have had it for several years - I think I bought it during my first "must obtain a work wardrobe" shopping trips back in 2008. It doesn't do a lot for me, but it also doesn't...not do a lot for me. I rarely wear it and yes it's taking up a hanger and 1/8" of valuable closet space, but I'm not about to get rid of it. This seems to be one of those basic items that when ya need it, ya need it. Right?

I really liked this outfit. This one may appear again :-)

EVERYTHING (waistcoat, jeanskirt, buttondown): Old Navy
Boots: LLBean
Ring: Booth at Maple Leaf festival
Necklace: MOM!

Daily Outfit - Kate - 1/25/11

I need to invent a new word. A word which adequately conveys the idea of "comfy and nice but completely expected and thoroughly uninspired."



Any ideas? Because I'm feelin' it.

Skirt: Etsy
Tee: Target
Cardi: Target
Boots: Fluevog!
Scarf: TJMaxx
Earrings: Mum

Daily Outfit - Jen - 01/26/11

Don't I look French, today! Except that a French woman would probably be a size 00, and I am a size... oh, what's that over there?

I had to ask my husband how these hats are worn. I am THAT clueless. This, my friends, is precisely why I blog on Two Closets. Hopefully I don't look too ridiculous, because that will be a total disservice to the superb craftsmanship of my darling Kate. This deep purple is my color, and she knew that when she was thinking of my cold head and hands. (Kate, I still can't believe you made these for stinkin' ole me! In awe of your talent! Love! Sorry for being so creepy when I called you! Should I move this conversation to email! Okay!)

I would be remiss if I didn't brag on these gorgeous earrings. You know how Kate is always wearing awesome jewelry that her cutie momma makes? Now I can wear awesome jewelry by her cutie momma, too! Thanks so much!

My outfit one year ago.

Tunic: H&M

Tights: Aritzia

Boots: Target

Scarf: Chinatown, San Francisco

Hat/Gloves: Gift (Thanks, Kate!)

Earrings: Gift (Thanks, Kate and Kathy!)

Daily Outfit - Kate - 1/24/11

GUESS WHAT?!?!

I just finished this sweater!



GUESS WHAT ELSE?

That's a crappy picture! So here's a better one - of an almost-identical outfit - from Sunday!



I <3 my new sweater. I <3 that I made it.

This outfit was the perfect cozy winter getup. I'm sorry that I wasn't able to get daylight pics, because my awesome Scarfshop scarf matched the teal in my sweater *perfectly*. And I know I don't usually go for matchy-matchy, but I think there are worse things in life than matching your scarf to your sweater, right? The corduroy skirt and quintessential LLBean boots just make everything wonderful.

dark purple + teal + grey + cream = my new favorite. *Really* wish I had better pics so it could be your new favorite too.

Cardigan: ME!!!!!
Turtleneck: Target
Scarf: Scarfshop
Skirt: GAP
Boots: LLBean
Tights: Target
Earrings: MUM!

Dear Jen

So here's what happened to my daily outfits last week:

Monday: No work! Thus, no clothes! (Well, clothes. But not blog-worthy clothes)

Tuesday: Work. Sad clothes.

Wednesday: Dentist! Then work! Boring clothes.

Thursday: Presumably clothes. Don't quite recall. Think someone would've told me if I'd gone naked.

Friday: Clothes! Cute clothes! Bad, horrible, face-making pictures. But I wore jeans! REAL PANTS. Crazy.

And that's why - with only my nonexistant posts as evidence - you may think I was naked last week.

It's quite chilly here.

<3
Kate

Dear Kate

My typically unobservant husband did something today that he has never EVER done before. He noticed my earrings! Guess which ones.

Yup, he loved them.

Thank YOU (and your momma!),

Jen

P.S. I will have pretty pictures to show them off soon!

P.P.S. Soon = tomorrow!

Daily Outfit - Jen - 01/20/11

As if you couldn't tell, I think this tunic is the best thing EVER. I wish I had one for every day of the week, because - who am I kidding - I practically wear this everyday.

It's perfect for a lazy day or a work day.

It's perfect for a skinny day or a bloaty day.

It's perfect for a warm day or a cold day.

I was really cold in this. Thank friends for scarves!

My outfit one year ago.

Tunic: H&M

Belt: H&M

Tights: Aritzia

Boots: Target

Hair bow: Etsy seller Sandyalamode

Daily Outfit - Jen - 01/19/11

This outfit was a big hit with me and my coworkers and the world at large, and it's such a diggity damn shame that I cannot pose for shiiiieeet. This was really pretty in person - I promise! It wasn't frumpy or reminiscent of a maternity top in person - I promise! I'm a genius - I promise!

My outfit one year ago.

Blazer: H&M

Blouse: H&M

Jeans: Martin + Osa

Heels: Madden Girl via DSW

Daily Outfit - Jen - 01/18/11

This one goes out to a special lady who loves black, brown, and grey. I gotchu on my mind, girl.

Now that we are officially 1 year old (aww), I will be linking to my outfits from 2010 and (hopefully) ooh-ing and ahh-ing over how much my style has flourished. GAG. I just noticed that this pose followed me into 2011. It's the only one I know.

My outfit one year ago.

Cardigan: Old Navy

Blouse: Urban Outfitters

Jeans: Nordstrom

Boots: Target

Dear Jen

Top Ten Things I've Learned In One Year of Styleblogging With You:

10)Sometimes, less is more. And accessories really make the outfit.
9)Classic items + modern twist = guaranteed win.
8)It's totally possible to wear pants and not look like a man.
7)Neutrals are your friend. And should be mine too.
6)Yes, every girl needs like 7 of these shirts. Which is why I have about 14.
5)How to combine black + brown + grey.
4)Timeless pieces like pearls and blazers needn't look dowdy.
3)Don't be scared of trends (like beautiful grownup graphic tees)
2)Don't be scared of prints. They don't bite.
1)Sometimes outtakes really are more fun!

I've learned so much from you this year, and look forward to learning more next!

<3
Kate

Daily Outfit - Jen - 01/17/11

Ancestors
Hear my plea
Help me not to make a fool of me
And to never let me dress ugly
Keep my outfits delightful

Cardigan: H&M

Top: Gift (Thanks, Thao!)

Jeans: Nordstrom Rack

Boots: Target

Necklace: Gift (Thanks, Thao!)

Dear Kate

One year ago, we started our journey to Styledom. I have definitely made a few detours along the way (good god, some really really really reallllllly bad detours), but I am glad to have a passenger with a fashion compass to get me back on track and to advise when my style expiration sticker has expired. Those fashion police are no fun.

I am looking forward to another year of speed humps, right turns, accidents, and green lights with you!

Yours,

Jen

Daily Outfit - Jen - 01/14/11

I was staring at my closet today and re-discovered this cardigan. How had I already forgotten about it? I just got it! Anyway, I was immediately hell-bent on pairing it with this shirt. I realized immediately that it was a lot of yellow, but man. So in love with this outfit! I'm casual all the dang time, but look how cute I can be, too!

Also, Snitch necklace + tablet necklace = favorite combo ever in the history of the life of the world, weeeeeee.

Cardigan: H&M

Shirt: J. Crew (Outlet?)

Jeans: Nordstrom Rack

Boots: Target

Golden Snitch Necklace: Gift (Thanks, Jess!)

Tablet Necklace: Gift (Thanks, Misti!)

Daily Outfit - Jen - 01/13/11

Can you tell that I am obsessed with this H&M blouse? I practically wear it every other day. I just love it so much. I'm bummed that today was so busy that I missed all the pretty light, because this is why my pictures are... ehhhh, the way that they are.

Please be sure to visit Sandy to wish her a happy 1st blogiversary! And do not forget to check out all of the wonderful giveaways - there's something to everyone's fancy! Giveaway entries will be closed on Sunday, January 16, 2011 at 11:59PM CST. Don't be a stinker. Go get some goodies ASAP.

Blouse: H&M

Vest: H&M

Skirt: Target

Tights: lalalalallalaaaaa

Boots: Aldo

Flower hairpin: Etsy seller Sandyalamode (20% off with coupon code SALM1YEAR)

Daily Outfit - Kate - 1/12/11

This photo is dark for a reason:



And that's because this outfit is THE MOST BORING ONE KNOWN TO MAN.

That's what tends to happen when one is so busy knitting that one is running late for work, and then one must throw on whatever clothes one can find.

(You see? I used "one" there as if I weren't the person doing it.)

Cardi: Filene's Basement? maybe?
Tee: GAP
Skirt: Old Navy
Boots: FLUEVOG!
Necklace: Christmas gift from Jeff :-)
Earrings: Mumsie

Closet Craving: Audrey Brooke Stake Oxford

I need these.

DSW: $59.94

Daily Outfit - Kate - 1/11/11

I'm so happy with today's outfit!



It's one which evolved sort of naturally - piece-by-piece, rather than occurring to me all at once. I've had that skirt in my closet - unworn - since two summers ago, when I thrifted it from a shop in the Loop. I thought it was just a bit too long at the time, and never got around to hemming it. Well, it's still maybe half an inch too long, but now I'm OK with that :-) (read: lazy). Everything else was just an attempt to create a color palette full of pretty neutrals, showcase my handknitted shawl, and enjoy the cardigan that I picked up (OK I actually bought two - one in this lavender grey, and one in a darker sage grey) at Marshall's in KC a couple weeks ago. I'm feeling skinny and pretty today, and I think the outfit is entirely to thank. This one makes me really happy :-)

Know what else makes me happy?



GIANT DANDRUFF!! Umm...I mean...SNOW!

Close-up of the pleat/buckle detail on the skirt:



Yay happy outfit!



Cardi: Marshall's
Tank: Old Navy
Skirt: thrifted
Shawl: handknitted by meee! (Pattern is "Invisibility Shawl")
Boots: Born
Tights: Target
Earrings: MOM!
Bracelets: don't recall

Daily Outfit - Kate - 1/10/11

I had an extra bounce in my step yesterday, because not only was I wearing my new LLBean dress...



But I was ALSO wearing new handknitted knee socks!



Here's a blurry, yellow, non-yesterday picture of 'em:


I LOVED this outfit! So happy and perfect and LLBean-y and handknit-y and Mom's-jewelry-y. What's not to love?

Dress: LLBean
Boots: LLBean
Socks: handknit by meee! (Pattern is "Lakeside")
Earrings: mum!
Necklace: mum!

Dear Jen

It is winter. Knitwear is good.

Too bad your favorite knitter is a meanie, and is THISCLOSE to making you learn to do it yourself :-P hehehehe

<3
K

PS>Not really. Unless you wanna. In which case - yay! :-)

Daily Outfit - Jen - 01/10/11

Diggity dang. I went to bed last night with visions of how glorious I would look today, but then I put on my outfit this morning and it was horrendous. No, I mean, it was truly disgusting. I didn't want to be discouraged so I improvised, and this is the lackluster result.

Thankfully today was insanely cold, and I was bundled up in a scarf and peacoat all day.

Sweater: Ann Taylor Loft

Tunic: H&M

Tights: Aritzia

Boots: Target

Dear Kate

I just have one question.

WHY IS IT SO COLD!!

Man, I sure could use some knitted fingerless gloves. (whistles)

Yours,

Jen

Daily Outfit - Jen - 01/08/11

So, the other day I mentioned that I wore an outfit that my husband was crazy about without my even trying. In fact, I was going for comfort (i.e. wear a dress so that I can eat like crap and not feel uncomfortable in the belly area). I tried to wear a variation of that and failed. Sometimes you can't beat the original.

My mom was raving about this outfit, also. Just going on and on about what a "fashionist" I am. I was caught off-guard considering that the praise was coming from a woman who has very assertively declared that I have "no fashion style" for the greater part of my life. I guess I did plum good. Get it?! Like the color. I am on a roll.

Sweater: Old Navy

Dress: Old Navy

Snitch Necklace: Gift (Thanks, Jess!)

Tablet Necklace: Gift (Thanks, Misti!)

Tights: Aritzia

Boots: Target

Daily Outfit - Jen - 01/07/11

I bought some new heels and freaking loved them until everybody at the office commented that they were really loud. And really it was just 2 people that hinted at the unusual decible levels of my footwear. 1 was my sister, and she doesn't count, so really it was 1 person. Anyway, UGH. It just crushed my sole.

SEE WHAT I DID THERE?

Cardigan: H&M

Blouse: H&M

Jeans: Martin + Osa

Heels: Madden Girl via DSW

Daily Outfit - Jen - 01/06/11

My first outfit of 2011! That's right, folks. I was naked from Jan. 1 - Jan. 5. NOT. Man, get your minds out of the gutter! The gutter where my fashion sense was the first week of the year.

Ba-dum-ching. Thanks - I'll be here all night.

Seriously. So bad it makes me laugh.

Cardigan: Target?

Top: H&M

Jeans: Nordstrom

Boots: Target

Daily Outfit - Kate - 1/6/11

I have no idea what I was wearing on Thursday. I mean, I have a picture (clearly)...



But I have nothing clever about how I came up with the outfit, or that I liked it, or that I hated it, or anything. It is a perfect exercise in utter neutrality of emotion.

Exciting, huh?



A good shawl pin is an invaluable accessory, I'm learning. Which makes me want moar! moar! moar!

Top: Target
Skirt: Talbot's, via TJMaxx
Tights: F21
Shoes: Macy's or something, long ago
Shawl: Meeee!!!!
Shawl pin of awesomeness: booth at St. Louis RenFest, last spring
Earrings: Mum

Dear Kate

Can you believe it's been almost a year since we started Two Closets? Can you believe how anticlimactic my outfit debut for 2011 was? Oh, that's right. I've posted a total of zero outfits this week. It's like I'm a crazy person, and by "crazy," I mean "lazy." The holidays beat the hell out of me, yo.

I loved reading your resolutions for this blog. As for myself, my main goal is to improve my photos. One aspect of that is obviously working on the actual photography bit, but I want to loosen up a bit and try to be freer and have more fun with them. Know what I mean, jellybean?

Looking forward to year 2 with you, boo!

Love,

Jen

The Spoils - LLBean

Back in July or August I ordered a dress from LLBean Signature Collection, knowing full well that it was out of stock until January. I figured that would be plenty of time to forget I'd ordered the darn thing, and then be pleasantly surprised when it arrived.

I'm not the only one who does this, right?

Well, it worked! And also I LOVE THIS DRESS.



The fabric is just perfect - pretty, and nice and durable and I can tell it will hold up for years. And it's the perfect weight for year-round wear. Cut and fit are spot-on. The length is exactly what I'd wanted. The shoulders fit perfectly, as do the hips.

I think I may run away to Paris with this dress. Someone tell Jeff, OK?

(PS>The bitch of it is, that it's no longer available online. Which I guess makes me a tease. Sorry 'bout that. I'll let you know if it re-appears...)

Dear Jen

In addition to my "real" new year's resolution (the relatively modest but nevertheless potentially insumountable goal to "stay dressed"), I've decided to make a couple of bloggy resolutions. I need them.

My bloggy resolutions are:

1)Blog more
2)Stop being lazy

You're an especially astute person, so surely you've deduced that the two items are very closely related. One could even argue they're interchangeable. You want to argue that? Go ahead. But I'll argue that WHY ARE YOU PICKING ON ME? THEY'RE MY RESOLUTIONS!

Anyway. Working and tights and makeup suck. Lounging and pyjamas and ponytails don't. But for the first time ever, I want to suck.

(Umm perhaps I should rephrase that...)

<3
Kate

Daily Outfit - Kate - 1/3/11

Man, is the first day back to work ROUGH. Especially when you've been off for 10 1/2 days. Especially when you've been in your pyjamas and husband's oversized hoodie for 10 1/2 days. Especially when it's like 15* out.



Rather than wearing cozycomfy work clothes and trying desperately to pretend I was back at home, I decided to head the opposite direction - heeled boots and more structured pieces to help me get back in the swing of things.

AND, in keeping up with my new year's resolution, I stayed dressed until 8:00 last night!

I iz a champion. Yes.

Boots: Born
Tights: umm...?
Skirt: thrifted
Cardi: GAP, 2009
Tank: Target
Scarf: somewhere in Chicago (ooh that really narrows it down!)
Earrings: Mom