Tweed Jacket & Topknot Bun

"Dear The Gazillions of Maple Leaves In My Front Yard,

 

"I'm sorry my kids and I spent all day Saturday raking you up into a large family leaf reunion pile, only to go running and jumping into you.

 

 ballet flats: J. Crew

bootcut jeans: Big Star

white V-neck tee: American Eagle Outfitters

scarf: gift

tween jacket: gift/vintage (Talbots)

 

"As you most likely are aware, we played with reckless abandon in your leaf piles for hours. We probably squashed many of your cousins and dismembered most of your aunts and uncles in the process. For that, I apologize.

 

 

"But my children had so much fun that I can't promise we'll never rake you guys up and do it again. In fact, there are so dang many of you guys still falling that I don't know if we'll ever see the grass in our yard again, even if I spend the next solid week raking and raking and back-break-raking.

 

 

"I originally intended this letter to be a thank you and an apology and a bit of an Ode to Leaves in the Fall, but I've all of a sudden turned kind of passive-aggressive toward the sheer infinite quantities of you guys in my yard. And in my bed, because my kids came inside after playing and laid on my bed and left millions of leaf bits ev.ery.where. (I'm sorry if that image pains you.) You're in my furniture, on my floors, in the bathtub, on my rugs. It's never ending.

 

"So. Out. Get OUT. Make like a tree and leaf. (pleaseandthankyou)

 

"Love, Brittney"

 

 

Shop similar styles below:

 

J.Crew Flats · Big Star Bootcut Denim · J.Crew Factory V-Neck Sweaters

elastic-waisted and loving it



shoes: don't recall. skirt & shirt: gap. belt & necklace: forever21. bracelet: burntsiena designs. earrings: gift/homemade.

Raise your hand if you're (a) built like a box or (b) know someone who is. Chances are good that none of you raised your hand. Not because neither A nor B qualifies, but rather because you're thinking to yourself, "she can't see me, I'm not raising my hand" or "man, that is some good mango-pineapple salsa I'm eating here" or "zzzzzzzzzzz."

This little ensemble is one I like to call, "The Little Box That Should." It's an inspiring tale of a girl who, despite lacking much by way of feminine curves, managed to put together a semi-girlish ensemble that embodies a bead-wearing-free-spirit-bent-on-reminding-suburbanites-to-save-the-rainforests. Notice my freshly-showered (i.e. wet) hair? It's 'cause there's no electricity in the forest for a blow dryer. Even my sandals look like tree roots.

So. Full skirts supposedly give square-built women some hips. I don't know that this actually is the case here. And the belt cutting my torso exactly in half doesn't do much to elongate my frame. But for some reason, despite what it isn't, I'm loving what this outfit is: a t-shirt and an elastic-waisted anything, perfect prep for Thanksgiving feasting. Sure, I'm four months early, but I like to be prepared.

So. Pass me a pie and turn up the TV, will ya?

Happy Tuesday.

Want this look? Click on stuff below...

More Forever 21...

Not hugely original or inspiring, but it's what I'm wearing. So.

 shoes: head over heels. jeans: kohl's. belt: thrifted. shirt: gap. cardigan: j.crew. watch: target.

Knock knock.

Who's there?

Pinky.

Pinky who?

Pinky who lives in a pack of diapers!!!

[enter hysterical pint-sized laughter]

Repeat. Including the hysterical laughter. Repeat some more. Repeat as a monologue when the adult party refuses to "answer the door" anymore. Repeat to siblings, repeat to barbies, repeat to strangers and neighbors. Repeat over ice cream, repeat over vegetables, repeat over strawberries dipped in powdered sugar. Repeat repeat repeat.

You all want to come to my house now, don't you, and befriend and swap jokes with my 2-year-old. I just know you do. My husband and I can't figure out why she loves this joke so much, other than the fact that she made it up herself. (No kidding. I mean, the punchline is clever and all...) (Oh. Wait. Nope. No it's not.)

Love it or not on the 10-milionth go-round, I'm afraid Pinky is here to stay.

Happy Thursday.

p.s. If you happen to meet up with diaper-dwelling Pinky, please pass on this message: no.one's.home.

p.p.s. I know my ensemble is winter-esque and unapplicable to many of you in warmer temps. But, despite the sunshine outside, it's downright chilly around here, and I spent my pre-dressed morning goose-bumpily all over. So. Warm & cozy it is.

Want this look? Rewind (or fast-forward) to November, then shop below...

More MICHAEL Michael Kors...

classic casual: a stay-at-home mom's best friend (well, that and oxiclean...)

 shoes: famous footwear outlet (i think? don't recall exactly). jeans: kohl's. shirt: gap. cardigan: rue21. bracelet: forever21. flower clip: downeast. belt: thrifted (american eagle).

First of all...300 followers via GFC? Wow...thank you all, for coming and returning to my blog as often as you do! I have the most interesting, funny, and inspiring readers ever. I think another giveaway is in order next week to celebrate the big 3-0-0. Hmm... Stay tuned.

Secondly...it's Friend Friday! (See other bloggers' answers to these questions here; see my answers from last Friday here.) This week's questions deal with feminism and fashion. I'd love to hear your honest thoughts on my honest thoughts.

1. Do you think there is an incompatibility between feminism and a love for fashion? First off, for the sake of this discussion, my idea of "feminism" is the act of acknowledging and embracing the power of femininity in a woman. In that vein, no, I don't think there's an incompatibility between the two--a love for fashion, in moderation, can expand a woman's femininity and thereby increase her influence over and ability to enhance and improve her sphere. Taken to an extreme, however, I think a love for fashion (or anything else, in extremes) can be detrimental to femininity, by hindering her ability to pursue and participate in other interesting and useful subjects & activities.

2. There is more to each of us than a love for fashion, how do you incorporate every aspect of yourself into your blog? I don't know that I do. I mean, my conversational text (including both the form and content) reflects aspects of myself to some degree, I suppose (case-in-point: I heart pnut m&ms), but the point of my style/fashion blog is just that--style/fashion. Not the depths of my innermost soul (but, in case you're wondering: her name is Mildred, and she loves purple). 

3. With the fashion industry still being a male-dominated profession, how do you think it would differ if women played a larger role? Ummm... gargantuan bags/purses would always be in style? (Okay, that's a cheeky "mom" comment...I guess, honestly, I don't know a ton about the formalities of the fashion industry... I wouldn't have even known it's a male-dominated profession. Am I going to get blacklisted for admitting that?)

4. How is your self-image and the way you carry yourself informed by your beliefs? Different phases of life (e.g., high school, college, married, professional, pregnant, mom of 1, mom of 2, mom of 3) have resulted in my developing a different, more personal (and, I believe, increasingly accurate) self-image. I believe that as a human being I have a divine heritage and that as a woman I have innate abilities and roles and responsibilities to fulfill my purpose in this life. Because of that, I try to do what I believe I'm supposed to do...including taking care of, being fair to, and carrying myself in the best way possible as I see it from my current developmental vantagepoint. (Does that even make sense?)

5. Do you think clothing/makeup/hair helps communicate the truth about yourself or are those things superfluous add-ons? Both. For better or worse, I'm initially drawn to people who look approachable, clean, and nice; I can only assume (although it is an assumption) that others are initially drawn to me for similar reasons. Sometimes I probably project a more confident, happy image than I actually feel; sometimes the opposite is true. But in my reality, in the process of truly getting to know someone, somewhere along the way their insides start to speak louder than the outsides. I guess, in summary: it's important to look one's best, but it's infinitely more important to be one's best.

Happy Friday, friends!

Want this look? The easiest, most comfy ensemble EV.ER. Shop below:

More Reebok...

this knee-length ruffle tiered skirt? i heart it.

I've been looking for a ruffle tiered skirt for a long time. I think they're absolutely adorable, either casual or dressed up. Ruffle skirts are everywhere, so you wouldn't think my quest would be that hard. (You also wouldn't think it would be that hard to make meatballs without getting burned, but I have two fleshwounds on my wrist to prove otherwise. So. I just like to make things hard, I guess. Keep myself on my toes.)

Anyways. Why the challenging search for such a skirt? Because my second (and most important) criterion was that it had to come to my knees. Which pretty much eliminated all ruffle tiered skirt vendors. (sob)

Until...... ta-daaaaa! Kosher Casual contacted me to see if I'd review one of their modest clothing items. Um, yes and yes. and YES again when I saw that they had a knee-length version of the skirt of my dreams. Can you see why? It's awesome!

I committed to do a review within a few days of receiving the skirt...buuuut (you see where this is headed, don't you.) I got it in the mail just this week, but it's not part of my 30x30 items (waaaah). So I can't legally (morally? ethically? conscientiously? just how eternal ARE the consequences of breaking a 30x30 rule, anyway?) wear it right now. Which makes me sad beyond belief.

But I CAN style/model it for you (with, ahem, none of the items that are in my 30x30...hurts so good...). Just this once. I promise I didn't wear it all day. But it was hard. Because this skirt, you guys. This skirt! I love it.

 The fabric is some sort of ultra-soft microsuedish stuff (I wish I knew my fabrics better...but I'm sure the website has the info), the sewing (I almost said "craftsmanship"...is that a word one would use when referencing a garment?) is super high quality. The skirt has a zipper in back, just a few inches of seamed-in elastic, and a super-high waist panel--3 key ingredients for an adjustable piece. As in, you can be taller or shorter, you can pull it higher (but not too high! we're being modest, remember? :) ) or lower, you can be thinner or bigger. And the fabulous thing is, the skirt just works. It looks awesome no matter how you wear it. (Note: There are different sizes available on the website; I'm just saying, there's a bit of flexibility within each size. Does that even make sense?)

I chose to pull mine higher today. I can't wait to try other ways as well. I heart this skirt. Truly and completely.

And, before I go, just a heads-up: I noticed other modest clothing items on Kosher Casual that were suuuper cute as well. Sometimes I think people shudder and cringe at the word "modest" because they think it sounds all granny-like or stuffy or, dare I say, lame. I'm here to attest that this isn't the case. This skirt is everything I need a skirt to be--stylish, fun, and modest.

Thanks, Kosher Casual. In case you didn't catch it in this post...I am in.love. with your skirt. Pocket's getting a little jealous.

a gifted slip. a dance of joy.

It's not a huge secret that I've been eying the slips at A Slip Shop for awhile. Which is a totally true statement if you just replace the words "eying" and "awhile" with "ogling & drooling over" and "forever." Seriously, have you checked them out? You'll die. They are So. Awesome.

That being said, you can imagine my sheer and utter delight when my friend Kaity contacted me about doing a product review of a slip. I thought one of two things was happening: (a) I had died and gone to a heaven where everyone wore adorable slips and ate chocolate chip pumpkin bread (that last part has nothing to do with the slips...it's just an integral part of my version of heaven...), OR (b) she had ESP (in which case I have a list of a few minds I'd like her to read...). Either scenario was fine with me, as long as I got to try out one of her slips!

Kaity was awesome to work with. You wouldn't believe the customized options available for these puppies. Seriously. I gave her the measurements she needed, asked her opinion on a few things (sooo hard to choose, but she had great advice), talked about style/color/length/fulness options (I went with the black pleated organza in a slight a-line), and viola. Got the package in the mail yesterday. Lightning fast. And lightning awesome.

shoes: head over heels. slip: a slip shop. skirt: thrifted. v-neck tee: gap. cardigan: j.crew. belt: kohl's (came with other skirt). necklace: don't recall. hairthing: f21.

[Editor's note: As for the rest of today's somewhat funky ensemble, feel free to take it or leave it. Me? I think it's great. I woke up feeling extremely lighthearted, so these clothes just kind of flung themselves onto my body in a free-spirited frenzy of...ah...free spirits. But the slip, my friends, don't mess with the slip. That is perfection.]

Not to beat a dead horse, but I can't even tell you how much I love this slip. And I'm not saying that because Kaity's my friend and I know she'll be reading this. (Hi Kaity!) It. Is. Fabulous! Such a feminine detail, it adds so much to a skirt-look. Annnnd I have some skirts that are borderline too shorty-short, so a chic skirt-lengthener is perfect. I have a zillion other ensemble ideas that I can't wait to bust out with this little number.

One thing I'd recommend for anyone who orders one is to go longer than you might think. On mine, Kaity recommended I go an inch longer than I thought I'd need, thank goodness, because if it were any shorter than what it is, my legs would hit the organza (as opposed to the slippery slip part) while walking, and the slip would probably ride up. 

So, in summary: I adore this slip. I can't wait to buy some of the other ones Kaity & I talked about, too. Wearing it makes me want to do the charleston as a dance of joy. 'Cept I don't really know how to do the charleston. But even that fairly significant detail didn't stop me from attempting it anyway and posting pics for your viewing entertainment. I am just that joyful.

Go check out A Slip Shop, you guys. I'm not kidding. You'll want everything. PLUS, if you got one, it would make my dance moves make sense. So.

Happy Wednesday.

Want this look? slip   pencil skirt   cardigan   black patterned tights

More J.Crew...

mary had a sick little lamb...

I almost did this today. But then I didn't.

 But I'm going to be honest. My head looks a little naked without it. Am I right? 

 shoes: unionbay brand. jeans: so brand. white tee: gap. cardigan: kohl's. scarf: gifted (but...old navy). turtle shell bracelet: open market on kauai (hawaii). beaded bracelet: gifted.

Today's jumping-off point: this purple cardigan. I haven't worn it for a while (years?) for some reason. Maybe because I kind of feel like I look pregnant in it. [Editor's note: NOT that being pregnant is at all a bad thing, for heaven's sake. I just don't want to look it when I'm not. I don't think I'm too weird for feeling that way...]

I needed today's outfit to meet several criteria: (a) comfy. because my throat is on fire and swollen and feels like the start of strep, (b) still appropriate for public view because I have to take my van to a car place this afternoon, and (c) again, I say comfy. and warm. 

I love the sleeves on this sweater; they flare out at the ends, and it makes me feel like a medieval lady. Kind of. A white v-neck tee underneath, grey skinny jeans (to go with the cool color palette of today), and some blue flats that I can easily kick off and replace with my pink-and-white-cloud-puffy-slippers at home. (*gasp* Who adMITs that? Me, apparently.)

Due to aforementioned sore throat, I really really wanted something around my neck today. It's soothing. So I turned this scarf temporarily into an O scarf and hid the yellow with safety pins. Perfect. My hair's not much to speak of...but it's...it's...done...? [Editor's note: That's the best I could come up with? Ouch.]

And in an enthusiastic nod [Editor's note: It's actually more like a throbbing-headed-nod...but a nod nonetheless] to the 80s, I added a turquoise bracelet to combo up with the purple. Reminds me this girl named Kristin in elementary school who had a billion different colored canvas shoes and one time she wore two pairs of socks on each foot--teal on top, purple on the bottom on one foot, and the opposite order on the other foot. And, like the proverbial cherry-on-top (or salt-in-the-wound, as the case may be), she had teal-and-purple plaid canvas shoes. Oooh, she was the envy...

Happy Friday.

Want this look? scarfcardiganjeansbracelet

teal bracelet