Daily Outfit - Jen - 7/29/10

Man, I really wish I had some cute espadrilles for this, but the wedges had to do for today. I was pretty terrified of this skirt when I tried it on in at the J. Crew outlet. With a little encouragement from my friend, Thao, who reminded me that I don't own anything else like it, I brought it home with me.

But once I got home, I could not figure out how to wear it. Did my top have to be white? Did the white have to match the white in my skirt? What are the rules! Once again, Thao came to my rescue and gave me loads of ideas. This is what I put together. I think I did okay, and now that I'm no longer scared of the skirt, I can't wait to play around with it in the future!

Tank: Ann Taylor Loft

Skirt: J. Crew Outlet

Wedges: Target

Daily Outfit - Kate - 7/29/10

Carrying on with the whole "procrastinating on laundry" theme, today's outfit is titled:

I HATE THIS TOP.



This top always makes me feel like my arms are freakishly huuuuuuuuuuuuuuge! Like I should be a sideshow act - "Come one! Come all! Come see the lady with massively disproportionate upper arms!"

And then I tell myself that it's not me, it's the shirt. And then I eat another Dove chocolate.

Stupid shirt. Forcing me to eat chocolate.

Stupid shirt: Sears, 2008
Skirt: thrifted, originally The Limited
Shoes: Macy's? 2008
Belt: Urban Outfitters, early spring 2010
Earrings: Mom
Ring: MacroSun

Daily Outfit - Kate - 7/28/10

We're on the cusp of laundry day, friends.



But I have two more pairs of underwear in the drawer, so I think I can get KreAtiVe and survive 'till the weekend.

Today's outfit, I call "whatever was clean. Ish."

Cardigan: Target
Tee: Forever 21, about 5 or 6 years ago
Skirt: Old Navy
Sandals: Sofft
Earrings and Necklace: mum

Daily Outfit - Jen - 7/28/10

Hmmmm. I can't wear this right. I love this dress, but in my efforts to make it work appropriate, I managed to gain 15 lbs. Oops! On the bright side, I'm not in jeans?

Dress: Ann Taylor Loft

Tee: Old Navy

Cardigan: J. Crew Outlet

Belt: J. Crew Outlet

Necklace: Gift

Sandals: Target

The Spoils: Green Eyed Soul Studio

My coworker, Misti, is a super talented jewelry designer. She goes by Green Eyed Soul, and HELLO. How gorgeous is her stuff? Because she knows that I love her work, she always gives me sneak peeks of her new designs. My mind is constantly blown by how she does what she does, and when I saw this necklace, it "spoke to me," as Misti would say. I wanted it then and there, but she insisted that I let her take it home and package it up for me.

Man, I wish the pictures did this piece justice. It's made of sterling silver that she oxidized, and it includes a sapphire (my birthstone!) and mood stones and just pure goodness. I love it.

You can view Misti's Etsy store to check out her beautiful pieces. I think her handmade beads are amazing, and I think you will, too!

Daily Outfit - Kate - 7/27/10

I'm wrapped up like a cutter.



AND I LOVE IT.

Also, I promise I didn't get the new ink just to match today's dress :-)

I usually try and stay away from going super matchy-matchy, but when I realized how well these earrings go with the dress, I just couldn't resist!


They were created by Wai Sze - one of my fellow Bees, waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay back in the day - I love them! :-)

Dress: Target
Wedges: still no idea
Earrings: Wai Sze
(fresh) Tattoos: All-Star Tattoo

Daily Outfit - Jen - 7/27/10

Seriously, how much fancier is this outtake than the actual posed photo?

I guess this is a fashion blog and not a photography blog, but DANG IT. I want pretty pictures.

Cardigan: Target

Top: Ann Taylor Loft

Skirt: Old Navy

Belt: Gap

Heels: Nine West

Necklace: Green Eyed Soul Studio (Spoils post to come!)

Daily Outfit - Jen - 7/26/10

Rain, rain, go away. Come back after I've taken my outfit pictures.

Really, though, it was overcast all day, and right when Jarod and I get home, POURING RAIN. I like this outfit, even if I didn't originally plan to accessorize with raindrops.

Cardigan: Newport News

Top: Old - maybe Urban Outfitters

Belt: J. Crew Outlet

Jeans: Nordstrom

Wedges: Target

Dear Jen

It actually got below 80* here. For a bit. Well, maybe. Anyway - AWESOMENESS. So you know what that made me start thinking about?

Fall. Boots and scarves and SWEATERS.

Meaning, I've gotta get knittin'. Then boot shoppin'. But first I've gotta get money earnin'.

Then I shall go find all the missing "g"s in my gerunds.

Mark my words, I'll be back in boots by this time next month. And there will be a mile-wide grin on my face. Like this:

:-D Only in font size, like, 48.

Are you bored with the hot weather yet, or still lovin' it?

<3
Kate

Dear Kate

It's Monday! I felt like this weekend flew by. We saw a couple of movies and maybe (definitely) ate some cake. I want to shop, but I can't really justify any purchases for myself, since, well... I don't really need anything right now. BUT, my mom's birthday is coming up, so I am hoping that shopping for a gift will get rid of the itch.

I think a nice handbag is the direction I'm going to go in. I want to get her something classy, versatile, and high quality. Any suggestions?

Yours,

Jen

Daily Outfit - Jen - 7/23/10

Can you tell that my husband is still learning his way around the camera?

Okay, here we go. I apologize for not looking particularly enthused ("But Jen, this is how you pose for all of your pictures.") - I plastered a smile on my face and froze so that Jarod could snap away as quickly as possible. I liked my outfit fine, and this necklace always reminds me of my cutie grandmother who bought it for me at the Renaissance Market when she was in Austin a few years ago. But folks, do you know what was awaiting me after these pictures were taken? PIZZA. Now, you understand and forgive me.

Shrug/Cardigan/Still don't know the appropriate term: Nordstrom Rack

Top: Old Navy

Jeans: Nordstrom Rack

Necklace: Gift

Sandals: Target

Friday Favorites - 7/23/10

Jen's favorites:

I want to be the people in these pictures!

Also, I want this outfit of Fifi's!

Also, also, I want this dress! How gorgeous is that color on her? Sheesh.

Also, also, also, I want to be able to do white right like this.


Kate's favorites:

I just died from the pretty.

LOVE this color palette.

Daily Outfit - Kate - 7/22/10

I finally got around to wearing this skirt with a black tank, as promised.



Personally, I think the look would've been more effective if I could have lost the cardigan, added some big black and cork wedges, and accessorized with a bloody mary.

But hey, Thursday is Thursday. What can ya do?

Skirt: TJMaxx
Tank: Target
Cardigan: Sears and it's really really old
Sandals: Payless, circa 2003 or something
Necklace, earrings: mi madre
Bracelet: Phoenix Rising, in the Delmar Loop

The Spoils: Lots of places

Now that I've got job/financial security for the first time in several months, I've decided to splurge just a bit. Also, it turns out I don't get to go to New York next month as planned (boo!). So last night I made the rounds - Avalon Exchange (resale), Old Navy, and the Gap.

I set out with one goal in mind: BUY INTERESTING STUFF. No more super-basic tanks or solid-colored skirts. I needed a couple new pretty dresses and a cardigan for early fall. Shirts with interesting detailing or prints (like Jen always rocks!). Shoes. BOOTS.

So how did I do?

See for yourself...


This hits right above the knee, and I love the print (it reminds me of silk cocoons). Only $11 at Avalon, but it's from Target originally so is it really branching out *that* much?


$12 at Avalon. I love the cropped length, and the button detailing is SO CUTE!

I think that one warrants a close-up:

Gah. J'adore.

Then, Old Navy:

Simple cotton cardi, but with embellishments! Be proud of me, y'all. I can't wait to wear this with my brown cowboy boots and one of my black pencil skirts. And I'm SOOOOOO glad to see dark colors back in the stores - all those brights were wearing me out!

But that's where my ambitiousness ends. There was a $5 tee sale, and...

Sorry guys, I tried. Grey and white. Crewneck. Fitted. SNORE. (but also needed in my wardrobe)

I went to the mall and poked around in Anthropologie, but nothing on the sale racks were calling me and I'm feeling too poor for even a $40 skirt right now. So I dashed into the Gap before the mall closed, where I tried on lots of stuff that pushed my comfort zone - pleated front jeanskirts, a maxi dress, and an oversized woven shirt. But all I left with was this:

Yes that's a navy-blue zip up. No I don't have one already. No it's not exciting. But it was $13 (cheaper in store than online!) and I really needed it! So there's no guilt associated with this one. :-)

Overall, though...I'm not all that proud of myself. I really like what I got, but I should've pushed my boundaries even further. Maybe I'll stop by my favorite Goodwill soon, but then I'll be saving my money for a trip to Kansas City (and shopping with a girlfriend!) in August. And on that trip I'll do even better. I promise you.

Daily Outfit - Jen - 7/21/10

As I was going through my pictures this evening, I decided that the outtakes are more interesting than my posed photos. I thought I'd change it up for you all so you don't have to see the same.exact.pose.every.day. At least for today.

I love this eyelet top, but I bought it in the wrong size, so I don't wear it often. I originally got it for the photos that my friend, Leah, took for our 2nd anniversary.

Here it is on me, today!

Blouse: Gap

Jeans: Martin + Osa

Belt: J. Crew Outlet

Wedges: Target

Closet Craving - LLBean shirtdress

I'm in love.

TOTAL. SHOCK. I know.

Also, it comes in blue. Love it and need it.

::sigh:: is it autumn yet?

Daily Outfit - Jen - 7/20/10

I loved my outfit, today. I went back and forth between my black and grey (eh, brown? The jury's still out.) skirts and ultimately decided that the grey made this ensemble more fun. I think for the first time, I felt like I was actually dressed like I work in the art industry. Whereas, most days, I dress like I am unemployed altogether.

Oh, and I'm a model now. I call this pose, "I just found doggy teeth marks on the windowsill."

This one is called, "Puffing my chest to attract a mate, but don't you dare get me pregnant."

And finally, "See an oral surgeon and buy a jaw."

Cardigan: H&M (Seoul)

Blouse: J. Crew Outlet

Skirt: Old Navy

Belt: Gap

Heels: Nine West

Earrings: Approximately the Jurassic period (i.e. they're old)

Daily Outfit - Kate - 7/20/10

With how disheveled and wrinkly I look today, I bet you can tell that I:
1)Rode my bike
2)Carried three loads of groceries upstairs
3)Walked the dog
4)Tried on a couple new tops
5)Cooked dinner

Right?

Well guess what? I DID NONE OF THOSE THINGS. Nope, I'm just one of those super-talented people who can manage to look like complete crap for NO GOOD REASON.

Be jealous of me, y'all. :-D



Top: Old Navy, for like $6
Belt: thrifted
Skirt: Old Navy (heyyy!)
Sandals: you tell me
Earrings: mum
Bracelet: 'tis a mystery

The Spoils: DSW

I quit my job yesterday.



It wasn't a "SCREW YOU I'M OUTTA HERE" so much as a "I hope you understand...another opportunity...difficult decision... here's my two weeks' notice...". But still. Liberating and exciting but also sad and scary.


In times of trouble and strife, it is human nature to seek comfort in the familiar, to find guidance and strength through spiritual fulfillment.


So yesterday after work I hopped on my bike and headed to DSW.





What can I say? I'm a deeply spiritual being.



Nothing says "new beginning" like red peep-toe maryjanes, eh?




I'm not kidding when I say it wasn't an easy decision - I've poured a lot of blood, sweat, and tears into my current position. But sometimes circumstances are out of our control, and I've got to make the decision that is best for Jeff and me. This new opportunity will be really great, and I'm looking forward to a new environment and new responsibilities.


And hey - new shoes!


Now the only question is - should I wear these tomorrow, or save them for the first day at the new job?


(Cross-posted at KateOhKatie).

Daily Outfit - Jen - 7/19/10

Move along, move along - nothing to see, here.

Top: Old Navy

Jeans: Nordstrom Rack

Sandals: Steve Madden

Daily Outfit - Kate - 7/19/10

This seemed brilliant when I put it on.



But by the end of the day the crinkled woven shirt had relaxed. The cardigan had stretched. I'd forgotten that this skirt's pockets always make me look fat. My hair (headband!) was disheveled from bike riding. And my shoes are just about worn out.

In short, I looked like a flowery, colorful bum. GO ME.

Was still a cute concept, though. Pretty sure "flowery, colorful bum" is on-trend for AW2010.

Shirt: Macy's
Cardigan: Target
Skirt: GAP
Flats: Born
Earrings: mama

Daily Outfit - Kate - 7/16/10

Casual Friday :-)



HappyKate.

Skirt: Old Navy
Buttondown: Old Navy
Sandals: mystery tome
Necklace: Mom

Dear Jen

I think we both have shopping problems. Your letter today sounded like you have a buying-too-much-stuff problem (or maybe it's just a "buying-more-of-the-same-ol'-stuff problem). I have a not-buying-enough-stuff problem.

UNTIL TONIGHT. When I rectified it.

I really don't think they're kidding when they talk about shoe therapy.

I'll show you tomorrow. You will swoon, as did I.

The only problem is, now it's like I've flipped a switch and even though I've been SO GOOD lately I just can't do it anymore and now I want to be BADBADBAD. But I must save money for the New York (!!!) trip next month, when I shall venture to the city with only the clothes on my back, an empty suitcase and a Chase card. MWAH-HA-HA-HA-HA-HA. So even though I really want to, I will NOT be popping into Old Navy tomorrow evening. Or Macy's on my lunch break. Or TJMaxx on my way home. None of it. Because I must be good.

Self-restraint is a bitch.

<3
Kate

Dear Kate

I love Gchatting with you. Can we do that everyday? Like, as a job - do you think someone would pay us to do that?

I've recently discovered that with my shopping habit comes terrible consequences, such as running out of hangers. I cannot articulate how frustrating it is to not be able to hang my clothes up, and I know that sounds insane. It is insane, but that's how I roll.

Oh! And why is that I still can't seem to branch out and try fun new outfits? It feels as though my wardrobe has expanded, but I'm clearly wearing the same things day in and day out. Man, this fashion stuff is super hard.

I think I'm going to wear (relatively) fancy earrings, tomorrow. Maybe that will be a good pick-me-up. I'm also going to stalk you on Gchat, tomorrow. That will definitely be a good pick-me-up.

Yours,

Jen

Daily Outfit - Jen - 7/16/10

When I walked through the door after work, Jarod immediately commented on my outfit, which was crazy and unexpected. And then he kept commenting on it, even after I'd changed - that I looked "so pretty" and that it was his favorite of any of my work outfits he's seen, yet. That was a nice way to end a tough week, for sure.

Blouse: H&M (Seoul)

Slacks: Banana Republic

Belt: Gap

Heels: Nine West

Headband: Claire's

Friday Favorites - 7/16/10

Jen's Favorites:

I am utterly in love with this outfit.

If you're in need of a bikini, this is an insanely good deal!

Get it, girrrrrl.

Kate's Favorites:

Gorgeous belts for meeeeee!

I love a good shirtdress or wrap dress.

::GASP::!

Daily Outfit - Jen - 7/15/10

So sorry for my absence yesterday, but trust me, my outfit was nothing special. I was in Houston on a totally impromptu trip to see Lois.

This is Lois, the "Corpse Flower" currently hanging out at the Houston Museum of Natural Science. Incredibly rare, this species is lovingly nicknamed for emitting the odor of rotting flesh when it blooms. Nice, eh? I didn't get to experience her lovely aroma, however, because she is psyching people out by not blooming.

Anyway, here I am, today. I didn't know pointy-toed heels were still okay until I saw a picture of Gwyneth Paltrow in them, recently. Still not sure if sleeveless is okay, but all the cool people at work are wearing them. Really, that's how we're staying cool. Texas is hot.

Top: Ann Taylor Loft

Belt: Urban Outfitters

Skirt: Old Navy

Heels: Nine West