life is like a pair of houndstooth tights...

.

 shoes: don't recall. tights & belt: forever21. skirt & cardigan: j.crew. shirt: eddie bauer. necklace: downeast basics.

I went to my children's great-grampa's funeral yesterday. It was a bittersweet day. He was a good man who leaves behind millions of good memories. Forgive me that I'm not feeling particularly funny today.

But I'll say this: I've thought a lot about life and how I use my time and what's really --no seriously, really -- important. A much-needed introspection. Timely, because guess what's pretty much at the bottom of the Important barrel? The fact that my tights got some snags in them and I forgot to reapply lipstick for these photos.

So. I'm happy and grateful to be clothed and alive. Now I'm off to use today's precious life-hours well.

Happy Tuesday.

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I will wear tights in March...I will wear tights in March...

 shoes: famous footwear maybe? jeans: kohl's. shirt: gap. vest: thrifted. belt: forever21. bracelet: don't recall. necklace: gift. poses-with-prop: discontinued.

Can someone please remind me to NOT use props in these photo shoots? I mean, really.

Hey guys. Remember how yesterday I was all (read the following in a taunting, high-pitched valley-girl voice), "I"m wearing a skirt even though it's cold and there's nothing anybody can do about it including mother nature because I am captain of the world apparently." Remember that? Kind of? No? It's okay to admit it...I hardly remember either exCEPT... 

...it turns out that the world doesn't warm up simply because some girl goes bare-legs-with-skirt. In fact, it was freezing, and I ended up wearing leg warmers all day, which probably looked stupid but I didn't care because I was chilly-cold.

So. What did I learn from this little exercise in Life's Laboratory? Several things:

(1) There's probably no reason to shave my legs until July.

(2) Mother Nature is a meanie-head.

(3) My Skinny Jeans are beloved friends and will never betray me in fickle March weather. Thank you, SJ. Remind me to buy you a treat later. Like pnut m&ms. I'll give you the green ones. And by "you," I of course mean "me."

[Editor's note: I actually did have on a skirt this morning until some friends decided to meet up at the park for a picnic lunch, so, as an older and wiser girl than the one who lived yesterday, I swapped the skirt out for jeans. I liked the skirt better, but, frankly, my goosebumps are all tuckered-out from their overstay yesterday. Poor little dears.]

Happy Thursday.

p.s. Don't forget about the awesome giveaway -- ends tomorrow (Friday) night! Hurry!

Want this look? Quick, shop below before spring actually gets here...

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belt askew on purpose...

 boots: target. jeans: kohl's. shirt: gap. cardigan: j.crew. scarf: smith's marketplace. belt: forever21. bracelet: hawaii.

So, my camera battery died a few minutes into today's outfit documentation. Which is why I ended up with a grand total of 8 photos. "But there are 9 shown above," you say. Actually, you probably don't say that because, really, who's counting. (Actually, you are, now, because I've brought it up. I'm awesome that way.) Yes, one of the photos above is double-dipped.

Which, coincidentally, is exactly how I like ice cream cones in that magic shell stuff, so it all works out.

Today's weather is snowy and dark and beautiful and mildly depressing all at once. Sometimes I think Mother Nature is passive-agressive. Let's face it, there's tons of evidence, for example: graceful deer destroy tulip bulbs, lengthy summer sun exposure is simultaneously blissfuland cancer-causing, and the existence of mosquitoes in general is proof enough.

I chose everything I wore today because I wanted to be comfy and warm. And comfy. And warm. Annnd I've been missing my houndstooth scarf, frankly, and he's been missing me, so today was a perfect day for catching up. (He's had a bit of a cold but is feeling better, thanks.)

Happy Monday.

p.s. Do you ever do odd things when you get dressed, like move your belt buckle to the side, and then just stick with it because you either like it or forget about it? Yeah. Me too. Like today.

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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!

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get out your tiny violins...

 shoes & jeans: american eagle outfitters. long-sleeved tee & hoodie: old navy. scarf: smith's marketplace. watch: citizen brand. belt: thrifted. hairthings: don't recall.  

Ever wondered what a girl with strep throat looks like? Wonder no more. [Editor's note: Not to pat myself on the back too hard, here, but...did I call it? Strep, I mean? Yesterday? Yes, my friends. I called it. Anyone out there need a medical diagnosis? Because I *think* I might be your woman...]

Yesterday was baaaad. Like, deathbed bad. Today is bad but slightly better, thanks to the inventor-o'-penicillin. And my dr who prescribed it for me. I needed another scarf today (I even slept with my O scarf on last night because it felt so good on my neck. I know. Weird.), so I guess you could say this houndstooth number was my jumping-off point. And, if you'll recall, it's "softer than cashmere?" Haha. Yep. Still funny.

There's something refreshing and earthy about green-and-b&w as a color combo. So I chose my top(s), paired them with some aging almost-holes-in-the-knees jeans (which are super old but a fresh light blue...I'll be sad to bid them adieu when they die), and slipped on my go-to metallic flats.

Know how belts are often a style statement? This one is an exception. I'm wearing it simply to hold up my pants. It's even brown. Paired with b&w. I know. Rebel. But I kind of like how it "grounds" the look overall.

Um, my brain is actually starting to get a little fuzzy. Better sign out before I start rambling like an old man.

Happy Saturday.

Want this look? jeans   scarf   flats   zip-cardigan

womens green zip cardigan

T minus 5 seconds...

Shoes: Head over Heels. Tights & belt: F21. Dress: Downeast Outfitters. Black cami: Motherhood Maternity (calm down, people, I'm not pregnant...it's just a super versatile tank that I wear lots.)

This outfit is called: "I have 15 minutes to get ready for church but even that's pushing it because there are a million things that have to happen this morning so actually 10 minutes would be better." Lots going on in life, not a lot going on in this outfit. 'Cept for some houndstooth tights. And a wide black braided belt. With a red drop-waisted faux-wrap knit dress. Not terribly flattering for my squarish shape, in my opinion, but suuuuuuuuper comfortable.

Worth the tradeoff? Absolutely.

Thank you, knitwear industry, for making a one-piece garment that's so versatile, slash, functional that I can put it on in under 1 minute, wipe my kids' noses, appropriately attend church, and carefree-ish-ly make breadsticks regardless of if [Editor's note: She really means "when."] I get flour everywhere. I love me some functionality.

Happy Sunday!

womens drop waist knee dress

Decisions...decisions...

Boots & belt: Kohls. Tights: F21. Skirt & denim jacket: Gap. White tee: Don't recall. Scarf: Smiths Marketplace. Bracelet & barrettes: gifted.

Today's jumping-off point was comparable to those synchronized divers in the Olympics. Well, kind of. Actually...not really. Here's the deal: just because one thing (i.e., diving. Specifically diving with talent. Not the will-she-cannon-ball-or-belly-flop kind of diving I tend to entertain all pool-goers with) is super cool doesn't necessarily mean that it will be twice as cool if it's doubled in exact replication and judged accordingly. Despite what those old double mint gum commercials would have you believe.

Except in the case of synchronized diving. Because, really. Kind of incredible.

Wow. Tangent. Anyway. Basically, I had two equally exciting jumping-off points, each of which held their own in this we've-all-seen-something-like-this-before kind of outfit. Guesses? No? That's probably because now you're thinking about that one time where that one synchronized diving team got robbed and it cost them a medal and you were so mad you spit your sunflower seed shells at the TV. No? Just me? Oh, okay.

Oversized salmon-colored bracelet & houndstooth
scarf. I love love love love love. [Editor's note: On the scarf, I found this sticker from the manufacturer: "Softer than cashmere?" The question mark kills me. C'mon, marketing department! Be bold! Your future in scarf sales just might depend upon it, and you've worked too hard to throw it all away with a punctuational slip of the proverbial tongue.] [Assistant Editor's note: Wha?...]

I like how the houndstooth is b&w and will go with anything. As a classic pattern itself, I decided to pair it today with another classic color/texture combo--denim & khaki. I also added a wide black pinstripe belt (that originally came with this skirt) for waist definition. And I thought the pinstripe would add a little class to the fairly casual look. I was deciding between black or red tights, and I finally decided on red because (a) they're actually more orangey than red, and (b) I therefore thought they would add a little boost, backup-singer-style, to the bracelet.

Tall black boots and a little color in the hair, and we're done here. Overall, I like it. Highly functional and comfortable. Although some people (my mother included) might wrinkle an eyebrow at the denim-to-church decision, I'm okay with it. Feel like it was upgraded a bit with a little accessorization. [Editor's note: I have GOT to stop making up words. My excuse is that I'm just too lazy to rewrite a sentence to make an actual word work... Please accept my apologizations.]

[Assistant Editor's note: That was Editor's idea of a joke. At least you don't work here. Pity me.]

Happy Sunday!

Just a pleasant sabbath day...circa 1940

I love Lucy, anyone? At least, that's kinda what I felt like today. And loved every minute of it.

So here's the deal. I got this dress a few years back, and I love it because it appears very simple but it's got a lot going on. Like a thin black pinstripe, full skirt, full-front buttons, a matching sash belt, tuxedo-ish pleats on the bodice, and a demi collar. (Okay, actually, I've never even heard of a demi collar. TOTally made that word up, but can you see what I'm talking about? A collar that isn't really a collar? What's that called, anyway?) I've always worn the dress with the matching sash belt and called it good.

Not today, my friends. I needed COLOR today. So I pulled out my trusty cardigan-o'-brightness and, if that wasn't blinding enough, added a silky red sash for shine. And polka dots. And shine.

[Editor's note: I'm naturally built like a square. A big hunk-o-box in girl form -- no waist, no hips, no chest to speak of. So. I wear belts to pretend I have a girlish figure. Sometimes I worry that I'm just emphasizing the fact that I am, in fact, a box. But today I got over it and wore the belt anyway because, hey, box or no, who can resist a little polka dot action every now and then?]

Ahem. Anyway. In the true spirit of midcentury womens wear, I added a feminine pearl necklace. And the closest thing I had to a corsage. (Recognize the flower? I wore it in my hair here.) And some --surprise!--bracelets. Pull on some classic black houndstooth tights and my trusty chunky mary janes, and we're good to go.

[Editor's note: I feel like I owe you all an explanation about the shoes. I know chunky mary janes are out of "season" or whatever. But I have an especially soft spot in my heart for all things mary jane. Period. Including those with chunky heels and unsightly rounded toes. I've had these shoes for years and still love them. So scoff all you like, you fashion purists, but I wear them happily and will probably continue to do so for the next 23 years, much to the embarrassment of my kids. I hope.]

[Assistant Editor's note: The Editor can occasionally be a pompous windbag and was becoming such in the course of this post. I've sent her to the office kitchen to find a cake to nibble on while I wrap up here, which, without Editor, should take about two seconds.]

Happy Sunday.

Be prepared...

I'm going to make this quick because it's Saturday. And, frankly, you have better things to do than read this all day. The same may or may not be true for myself. But either which way...

For me, Saturday has waaaaaay more emphasis on comfort and function than anything else. And I don't think I'm too weird to feel that way. So I wanted to keep things neutral and blend in...not trying to start an attention-grabbing "my sweats are better than your sweats" contest. (Although, truth be told, I defy you to come up with more comfy sweats than mine, which are actually my husband's, but they're also mine because I'm a firm believer and frequent proclaimer to him that "what's yours is mine and mine is yours" especially when it comes to his comfy sweats. And sometimes his socks. And maybe the munchies that he brings down to the couch. And pretty much everything that he's got that I might want. Heh. Wife of the Year, baby. Right here.)

AAAAAANYwee. I started with the grey sweater this morning, because it fits the bill for neutral, comfortable, and functional. And it's warm. But the neck is a little blah, so I threw on a basic button-up underneath. I wanted to wear old jeans today because...because old jeans are like a woman's best friend.

Here's the dilemma, though. These old jeans, which were calling out to me today from the depths of my closet, are bootcut, and I wasn't in the mood for that. But I ignored myself and just did a big ol' comfy-cuff at the ankle. And some canvas houndstooth slipons. Add a bright yellow nylon belt because it felt kind of industrial. Like a toolbelt. And, hey, you never know when you'll be passing by a construction site where they need some help with something and you'll be totally qualified and capable because, hey, check out the heavy-duty belt.

Add some great messy braids (braids because my hair's too short for a cute topknot bun and messy because that's how they're going to look in 3 hours so I may as well make it look like I'm going for the look on purpose) and neutral bracelets because, actually, I really DON'T want to help out at any construction site today. I'm a girl, dangit. See these bracelets?

Happy Saturday.