Daily Outfit - Kate - 3/22/10

Help me, girlies.

This is what I wore today:


Accessories and meeeee:


Not so great, is it?

Only thing is, I can't quite put my finger on it. I partially think it's a case of "throw together a bunch of random pieces that I all love individually"-itis, but that's not quite it, either. I think the main problem - please I'd love your input on this - is that I have about 3 or 4 outfits all trying to happen at once.

I *love* this shirt, and it's the first time I've worn it since I thrifted it a couple months ago. I've styled it about a billiion different ways in my mind, so I think when I got dressed this morning I forgot which way I was shooting for *today*. Shirt + belt? CUTE. Shirt + necklace? CUTE. Shirt + earrings? CUTE. Shirt + skirt? meh. Shirt + shoes? OK whatever. Shirt + belt + necklace + earrings + skirt + shoes? FAIL.

So how could I have fixed this? For the winning Shirt + belt + necklace combination, I think I should've worn my burgundy tulip skirt, and maybe my patterned brown tights instead of these (saggy itchy gross) ones. Shoes can stay just because they're my only brown comfy heels.

Or I could've worn another necklace - one of my silver/gunmetal ones - and smaller earrings. And I could've stacked on a bunch of bracelets, and worn my denim pencil skirt and black tights and grey maryjanes, and no belt. That would've worked too.

OR I could've worn the shirt with my new skinny green belt and my simple brown skirt and some new blue tights that you haven't seen yet and my blue copper necklace and the earrings pictured and I could get some other brown heels (maybe some that are dressier/less clunky looking?). Or green flats, if I had any.

*OR* I could've worn the shirt with that awesome new teal skirt, and worn a red scarf like a wrap belt and worn no tights and some black flats (which I don't yet own, but that's neither here nor there).

There are lots of awesome things I could've done with this outfit (err...shirt) and I tried to do them all at once and failed. Lesson learned.

Just goes to show - I have a *long* way to go.



Shirt: thrifted, originally Benetton
Belt: Urban Outfitters ($9.99 on clearance!)
Skirt: thrifted, originally George
Tights: old and icky
Shoes: Softspots "Bronte", summer (?) 2009
Earrings and necklace: mom

Daily Outfit - Kate - 3/17/10

So even though you guys see my outfits (almost) every day, that's not quite how I really run around. If you were to see me walking down Olive St. in downtown St. Louis on any given day, I'd look pretty much like this:



Only, um...without the cat.

But other than that, it's pretty much accurate - the earbuds attached to my iPod Nano (which I never carry in-hand, but always keep stashed), the sensible cross-body bag (in my old age, I've come to really prefer them over shoulder bags - love the hands free comfort!), the purrrrdy new trench coat of awesomeness. Yup, that's me.

Today, under the ensemble:



YAWN. And, um, do I even have a waist? Ugh. In an effort to achieve the "less is more" look, I really under-accessorized. This outfit needed textured tights or a scarf or a little belt or a bunch of bracelets or SOMETHING. I felt frumpy and schlumpy all day, after I first realized the problem (not 'till *after* I got to work, of course). Not a mistake I intend to repeat again!

Speaking of mistakes, check this out:


I love those earrings. They remind me of spools of thread, and I bought them at the Kirksville farmer's market when I was there one day with a girlfriend and her two daughters. They're fantastic and fun and I love them.

But guess what? I have no intention of wearing them today.

Somehow - guess I wasn't paying attention - I grabbed them instead of the dangly silver-and-cobalt ones I meant to wear. And didn't realize it until I was preening (shut up you do it too) in the bathroom mirror this afternoon. What's next, leaving the house wearing two different boots? (Sorry Amber...)

Honestly, my favorite part of the outfit was my necklace:

Jeff gave me the pendant on our first Valentine's Day, and the chain for our second Christmas. It's tiny and dainty and perfect and I love it. Isn't he a good jewelry-picker-outter? :-)

Cardigan: GAP, winter 2009/2010
Shirt: thrifted, originally Target
Skirt: thrifted, originally Old Navy
Tights: Ellen Tracy, via DSW
Shoeties: Nine West, via Macy's
Necklace: Jeff :-)
Earrings: farmer's market crafter, circa 2007

Daily Outfit - Kate - 3/16/10

It's like deja vu all over again!


This is actually a first for me, though - my first time since we started this blogging adventure, that I've duplicated an outfit.

What can I say? I loved it the first time 'round, my co-workers haven't seen it (though that's not really a valid argument - I could walk in the door with my head on fire and they wouldn't notice. Architects, y'know.), and I can't wear what I *really* want to, as it all needs to be washed (too bad there's not a magical washing-box where you put dirty clothes in and clean ones come out, eh?).

But still, I'm a bit disappointed in my own lack of creativity and ambition.



Overshirt: Sears, circa 2002-ish
Undershirt: Target, 2008 or 2009
Skirt: GAP, winter 2009/10
Tights: Hellmart
Boots: 704b, via DSW
Earrings: Mumsie
Bracelet: So old I don't remember

Do you ever duplicate outfits? If so, do you have any "rules" associated with it?

Daily Outfit - Jen - 3/15/10

I don't make Jarod's job very easy.

At all.

And that's about all the insight that I have for today.

Thanks to one of the loves of my life, Thao, for always thinking of me on her travels and bringing goodies like this necklace home for me. It's perfect. Thanks, ladybug!

Shrug: Nordstrom Rack

Tank: Old Navy (clearance!)

Necklace: Gift

Jeans: Nordstrom Rack

Flats: Seychelles via Nordstrom

Daily Outfit - Jen - 3/12/10

Name a store that is on your shit list. GO! Mine is Delia*s.

When I receive an online order, I try on everything for two reasons:

1) To make sure everything fits and

2) Because it's fun! HELLO.

Anyway, so I tried this top on over my clothes and thought, "It's okay. Cheap is cheap." Today was the real test. As I was getting dressed this morning, I noticed the elastic scrunching across the boob area. Why... is that there? Why... is my shirt puckering when it's loose as heezy heck?

So, I had to wear it like this. Good riddance, Delia*s. Also, I'm returning the pants I bought. The two same-sized pairs of pants that fit differently.

Top: Delia*s

Jeans: Nordstrom Rack

Flats: Steve Madden via DSW

Daily Outfit - Jen - 3/11/10

SO. Once upon a time, I bought a pretty cute scarf from a store called Delia*s at the mall. It's a pretty print, so I thought to myself, "why not try some of their other stuff?" So, I get online, pick out a few things, receive everything, and am ultimately pretty bummed.

This blouse is the first thing that I wore. It is SO pretty online. Isn't it? ISN'T IT? But when I opened the plastic bag and felt the gross fabric, I was admittedly, disappointed. But hey, it was $9.99 and not worth the hassle of returning.

Then. THEN, I wore it to work. I have never in my life worn a more uncomfortable article of clothing. For some reason, beyond the reach of my resourceful and logical brain, this blouse was made with an elastic band around the mid-section. "At the bottom of your waist?" you ask. NAY. "Empire-waisted?" you ask. NAY, again, I say. No - around your freaking stomach. Every.single.time that you stand up, sit down, move, or even breathe, you will need to readjust this blouse. And it sucks. My sister will be inheriting it in the near future, just as soon as she does something worthy of punishment.

Cardigan: Newport News

Blouse: Delia*s

Belt: J. Crew

Jeans: Nordstrom

Flats: Steve Madden

Daily Outfit - Jen - 3/10/10

Today, I felt exactly like Audrey Hepburn. Except for that double-zero waist size. Or that chiseled yet feminine jawline. Or the amazingly successful career. So, really EXACTLY like Audrey Hepburn.

I've had this blouse for some time, and I've probably actually worn it a max of 5 times. I always felt that it was a little too billowy and consequently unflattering. But then I thought, "Jen! Wear a belt! Do it for Kate!"

I really wish I had a cute black skirt for this. TO DO: buy cute black skirt.

Blouse: Banana Repubic

Belt: Urban Outfitters

Jeans: Nordstrom Rack

Flats: Steve Madden (ancient)

Daily Outfit - Jen - 3/9/10

I had no idea what I was going to wear today, and I was feeling pretty unoriginal when I put on my default cardigan/jeans combo. But as the day progressed, I realized that I was sort of liking my outfit. By the time I got home, I officially loved it.

Is it fashion-forward and inspired? Not at all. But did I feel confident and (frankly) gorgeous, today? Absolutely. I think that classifies this outfit as a winner!

Note to self: Take detail shots. Why did I not get a picture of the gorgeous top underneath my cardigan! Dangity dang dang.

Cardigan: Target

Top: Nordstrom Rack

Necklace: Gift

Jeans: Nordstrom Rack

Flats: Steve Madden via DSW

Daily Outfits - Kate - 3/5/10 and 3/8/10

It's another twofer today, because apparently - as I learned on Friday - pictures won't just blog themselves. I KNOW, right?


Wanna know what's more exciting than that outfit? The baby gate in the background. Because it's not currently braced in the doorway; it's been leaning against that wall since Friday. BECAUSE ROXIE IS HOUSEBROKEN!!!!!! And after only a year and a half.... :-{ But still! Housebroken!

Anyway, I felt really comfortable and happy in Friday's outfit. Nice cozy cardigan, comfy cotton tank (with embellishment! And not completely boring!) and my omnipresent 518's and Ariat boots. I'm gonna call this look "country casual" and if it were up to me I'd wear this every day that I *don't* wear skirts. Oh, wait. I do. And then I wear the boots with a skirt.



There you can see some of the detail on my tank, and also my awesome necklace. That's made from a Fitz's bottlecap, and I got it from a seller at Green With Indie last year. Fitz's is one of my favorite things about St. Louis :-)

Cardigan: Target, winter 2009/2010
Tank: GAP, umm...2008?
Jeans: Levis 518's
Boots: Ariat
Necklace: artist at Green With Indie, spring 2009
Earrings: Mumsie

Aaaaannnnd....today. An outfit that I planned before I got out of bed, and was honestly half the reason I even GOT out of bed. It's so 90's-licious; I love it!


I feel like an extra straight out of Empire Records! Sorta punky edgy, sorta sweet, REALLY 90's.


Even the necklace - which is too long on its own, so I wear it doubled up with the extra length as a choker - reminds me of the 90's. And I'm also realizing how the choker style is actually a little bit flattering, isn't it?

Cardigan: Francesca's Colections, 2009
Cami: Old Navy
Skirt: garage sale, Abercrombie & Fitch vintage 90's
Tights: Target
Belt: Target
Boots: 704b, via DSW
Necklace: Forever 21
Earrings: Mi madre

Daily Outfit - Jen - 3/8/10

Let me be honest. At this point, I'm just waiting on my online order from Delia's to come in, and hopefully its contents will not suck. I'm banking on it not to suck. Please, don't suck.

Cardigan: H&M

Tank: Old Navy (clearance!)

Necklace: Ancient and unknown

Jeans: Nordstrom Rack

Flats: Tory Burch

Daily Outfit - Jen - 3/5/10

Was so busy, yesterday. So busy. Went straight from work to happy hour to dinner and a movie. Thankfully, dinner and a movie was with my friend, Leah, the REAL LIFE PHOTOGRAPHER. Even though she absolutely cannot stand having to use a flash, she happily obliged when I asked her to take pictures of my outfit, because she is a sweetie.

Look, a new non-hand-on-hip pose!

Shrug: Nordstrom Rack

Blouse: Martin + Osa

Necklace: Gift

Jeans: Nordstrom Rack

Flats: Steve Madden via DSW

Daily Outfit - Kate - 3/4/10

Jeff and I experimented with a new picture-taking area this evening, since now I have a 10-minute window of "daylight-ish stuff" when I get home :-)



Still a work in progress, obviously, but I like the natural light :-) This was one of my first forays into a collared shirt + cardigan combinations. I don't know what was stoppig me before :-P

(By the way, there *is* a dog attached to that head on the coffee table.)

This photo was gonna be a parody of the classic Glamor Shots "hold your collar" pose but then I had a huuuuuge chin zit so sorry you get the cropped version.



Still vaguely humorous? Meh. But I do <3 that ring :-)


Button-down: So old I don't remember - Kohls or something?
Cardigan: Old Navy, 2004-ish
Skirt: thrifted, originally The Limited
Tights: Target
Belt: Target
Boots: 704b, via DSW
Ring: booth at Maple Leaf 2009
Earrings: Madre

Daily Outfit - Jen - 3/4/10

Oooooooooh, Kaaaatttteee! What's that around my waist? It's all for you, baby. I felt soooooo cute, today. I had no less than 3 people compliment my outfit. I also had no more than 3 people compliment my outfit, BUT YOU GET MY POINT.

And now, for your viewing pleasure, our honest attempt at cute and fun photos:

We should win an award.

Cardigan: Newport News

Dress: Old Navy (clearance!)

Belt: Urban Outfitters circa the college years

Tights: HUE via Nordstrom Rack

Boots: Aldo

Daily Outfit - Jen - 03/03/10

I will never be a cool fashion blogger with really amazing photographs. I want to be, but it is just not in the cards for me. Case in point:

I would like to take this opportunity to thank my husband who has such a natural talent for capturing me in my element. To Sebastian, for always being in my grill. To Broughton, for being insane and constantly getting fur on my clothes. And to Dimtri - sweet, sweet Dimitri, thank you for lifting your leg just in time to be frozen in time, forever.

It kind of blows my mind that this is what my hair looks like when I actually take the time to blow-dry it. So sexy. So frumpy.

Did today suck? I can't decide. I'm leaning towards YES, which is why it is a damn good thing that I preemptively ordered some new clothes online, last night. BRANG IT.

Shrug: Nordstrom Rack

Top: Old Navy (clearance!)

Cami: Old Navy (clearance!)

Necklace: Thrifted!

Jeans: Nordstrom Rack

Flats: Steve Madden via DSW

Daily Outfit - Kate - 3/3/10

This outfit is completely, 100% dedicated to my mom. I've no doubt that if Mom and I were to have a Freaky Friday, she'd put on this exact outfit. And she'd probably also have my tattoo removed and spend a lot of time being jealous of my perky 34B-never-breastfed-a-baby boobs.



Know why else this is dedicated to my mom? Because that super cute black shirt was hers :-) She wore it in college, I think, and I found it in her closet a few years back. I took it, and now it is mine and I <3 it (forgot to take a picture of the side view, but that's what really makes it - the back is longer than the front; a very Victorian silhouette - and it's got a cute little tie, too :-) ). I know Mom also loves these shoeties, because ever since I got mine she's been on a quest for her own pair!

But that's not the only vintage-via-Mom piece in this outfit - the necklace was hers, too:


It's so simple and perfect, isn't it? Just white gold and diamond chips. I love wearing it with big earrings, when I still want to have a necklace but not overwhelm the outfit.

magenta shirt: thrifted, originally Target
black top: vintage, via Mom
skirt: Old Navy, summer 2009
tights: Filene's Basement
shoes: Nine West, via Macy's
earrings: Mom-made
necklace: vintage, via Mom

Daily Outfit - Jen - 3/2/10

Sooooo, yesterday. That was awesome. It's out of my system, now, and I am prepared to go forth and try to be fashionable.

The weather has been so crazy, here. Snow last week, and today the high was in the 60s. It's so stupid, and it makes outfit-planning pointless.

I'm trying to think of March Fashion Objectives - any suggestions? I did pretty well in February. Admittedly, I didn't get those dang vegan shoes, but it was not without trying. I'll try again in March!

Sometimes I don't iron my shirts, and I like to pretend that they still look okay. Let's pretend that this looks okay.

Cardigan: Newport News (I wish I had this cardigan in every color that exists in the world!)

Blouse: Very ancient Banana Republic

Jeans: Vigoss Studio via Nordstrom Rack

Flats: Seychelles via Nordstrom

Daily Outfit - Jen - 3/1/10

"Oh no, she di'nt!" OH YES, I DID.

Today is the 1st of March. AMNESTY FOR WEARING UGGS!

(You do NOT want to see what I looked like, today.)

Daily Outfit - Jen - 02/26/10

I cannot articulate how freaking happy I am that it is Friday. HAPPY THAT IT IS FRIDAY.

I just realized as I uploaded these photos, that I'd left my jeans rolled up. I did not actually go to work like that. There are few things more annoying than catching your jeans on your foot with each step. Around 4 PM, I was tired of my jeans dragging on the floor, so I rolled them up. I'm kind of loving it. Happy accident. Yay!





Cardigan: H&M

Top: Nordstrom (Rack?)

Necklace: Gift

Jeans: Nordstrom Rack

Flats: Steve Madden via DSW

This is my sweet, adorable, wonderful friend, Thao. We're hanging out tonight, and she showed up in this cutie outfit (as she always does). The good sport that she is, she allowed me to play paparazzo. I wish I owned her wardrobe. She wears blazers like nobody's business. And her shoe collection. OH MY GOD. I am going to make her share it with you all in the near future, because it is delicious.

Did you drool? I bet you did.

Daily Outfit - Kate - 2/26/10

::YAWN::



I am SO over this week. Hence the "I am SO over this week" face above.

I wasn't feeling very creative today, so I just took my pretty new silk scarf and paired it with a bunch of colors found within the scarf. Jeans for casual Friday. I like it, even though I felt a bit matchy-matchy.


See all da purdy colors?



Scarf: Target
Tee: GAP Outlet
Cardigan: Old Navy ($3 on clearance, bought by Mom :-))
Jeans: Levi's 518's
Shoes: Born Codder
Socks (zomg you can see them!) handknitted by moi
Earrings: mommmmmmmmmmm