Polka Dot Biker Shorts

That's All Folks...for now

2011-07-18T22:30:00.000-05:00

sandals: Blowfish

pants: LOFT

black ruffle tank: Gap

necklace: LOFT

flats: Easy Spirit

black pants: Gap

white/pink striped tee: LOFT

gray sweater: LOFT

earrings: gift

Hi! I know it's been a really long time since I've posted (almost 3 months, holy crap.) Well, for some reason, I just haven't felt like taking outfit pictures or blogging. Since this was supposed to be a fun hobby, I didn't force it. Let's catch up.

*I got a teaching job at a small university in Chicago.I signed the contract; it's official.I'm so freakin' excited.I start in August*Mike and I set a wedding date: June 30, 2012 in Connecticut.We celebrated our "-1 year" anniversary with champagne and take-out.*I bought a wedding dress: it's lace and I love it.*Mike and I are apartment hunting: the job I got is conveniently on the far far south side of Chicago. Mike works in the Northern suburbs.Go me.*We traveled to Texas to visit his family.We played with his adorable 1 year old nephew.I saw Houston, Galveston, and Austin.I met his college friends and heard some great stories.I saw some armadillo roadkill.I ate some good barbecue.We flew back to Chicago where it's almost as hot and the ac is not nearly as good.*

Good, now you're all updated :-)

The next couple months are going to be crazy busy as I finish up my current job, prepare for a brand new teaching job, start the new job, find an apartment and move into an apartment. I'm not sure what is in store for this blog. I think I would like to re-start it at some point when I get settled, but I'm not sure. I'm so excited for the next stage of my life (my 1st real job in the real world...age 28 whoa), but nervous and scared - in a good way. So the blog will be on hold for now while I figure out all this new, good, exciting stuff. I'll be checking in on Twitter (PolkaDBShorts) and of course my email (polkadotbikershorts@gmail.com).

Thank you for reading!!!

FBFF: Inspiration

2011-04-22T09:49:00.002-05:00

For this week's Fashion Beauty Friend Friday, we look to what inspires us.

1. Which celebrity (celebrities) do you look to for fashion inspiration?
Lately, I realized I really love Jennifer Aniston's style. I feel like I'm drawn to similar silhouettes and styles. She seems to always show off that "effortlessly chic" look I try so hard to get. She rocks the jeans/t-shirt look that I love so much and as described here, she's great at dressing feminine but not necessarily girly or frilly. Her style is simple, which is something I'm drawn to regularly.

2. When it comes to your own personal style, what inspires you?
Other bloggers, color combinations I see in magazines or on others, friends' styles...

3. How do you hope to inspire your readers?
That you can wear something simple and still look put together. I'm so much more of a pants/jeans person that the majority of my outfits are pants. I hope to show readers that pants can be dressed up or down and every degree in between. Even though I largely prefer pants, I still feel my look is feminine.

4. Outside the realm of fashion who/what inspires you?
My friends and family.

5. And since Idol is ending… Which songs inspire you?
Oh, tons of songs. Different songs inspire me for different things.

So what about you? What inspires you?

Wishful Wednesday

2011-04-20T10:38:00.000-05:00

shoes: BC footwear

jeans: Express

white tank: Old Navy

gray sweater: Target

necklace: Etsy Untamed Menagerie

Again, this sweater was probably too light for the weather that day, but I get so warm in the morning when I get dressed. I love this necklace - it's an elephant with an umbrella walking on a string of pearls tied with a bow. I love it and it makes me happy I get weird comments about it. People think I got a tattoo on my chest and they keep telling me every time I wear it. The same people...everytime. It bothers me so I think I'm going to have to save it for wearing over high-necked shirts. It's a shame because it ruins the necklace for me. oh well, just have to make it work!

So possible job prospect...I hope to hear soon. Could you do me a favor and keep your fingers crossed for me?

Two for Tuesday

2011-04-19T09:48:00.000-05:00

shoes: BC footwear via 6pm.com

jeans: Gap

red sweater: Macy's

It was way too cold to be wearing this sleeveless cowlneck sweater, but I was sick when I wore this and tried to fake wellness to get a few things done. It actually failed miserably. But I do love these shoes.

I repeated them again for this outfit#2 below when I was finally feeling better.

shoes: BC footwear via 6pm.com

jeans: Gap

cream shirt: NY&Co

sweater: Target

necklace: F21

cold and rainy here...Happy Tuesday!

Day Sparkles

2011-04-15T13:13:00.000-05:00

shoes: Na Na via Nordstrom

wide-legged gray-white tiny-striped pants: Gap

purple sparkle tee: Limited

jean jacket: Old Navy

earrings: Limited

where: school/work then out for dinner/drinks with a friend

I had a coupon for 50% off one item at the Limited the other weekend and when I saw this sparkly number, I couldn't resist. (I also couldn't another top as well, but that's for a later day) It's just a t-shirt, but it's so sparkly! It's decorated with tiny little sequins. I could easily dress it up for a night out, but to make it day-appropriate, I paired it with wide-legged pants, flats (actually very low heels), and a jean jacket. Even though I was coming down with my sinus infection, I think the sparkles made me feel healthy. I'm excited to pair with a jean skirt when the weather decides to warm up again. It's super fun :-)

De-Elongation

2011-04-13T07:47:00.000-05:00

black flats: Easy Spirit

jeans: Levi's

black shirt: my mom's

red scarf: my mom's

olive leather jacket: LOFT

I wore this a couple weeks ago on the weekend to take Mike to the airport, followed by a quick shopping trip at the mall. I liked the neutrals with the pop of red! I bought this leather jacket last fall at Ann Taylor LOFT the day after Thanksgiving. It was on sale and then they were having a special 40% off everything (or something like that), so it was a pretty good deal. It's super soft and pretty warm - perfect for an early spring day. I suppose the cuffed jeans and longer shirt de-elongated my legs here. But some days you just don't care. My stylistic goals change daily and some days I feel like elongating my legs...somedays I don't.

Happy Wednesday!

Bittersweet Spring

2011-04-12T09:51:00.000-05:00

black shoes: Macy's

wide-leg pants: LOFT

black/white striped lace tee: LOFT

white tank:?

green cardigan: Gap

outfit inspired by Suze (inspired by Linley)

When I saw Suze's outfit, I really liked the casual easy-going feel of it and had exactly what I needed to re-create it. (I think these shoues could have been a smidge taller for these pants...oh well).

Last week the weather started to warm and I opened up all my storm windows to get some beautiful fresh air in my apartment. With fresh spring air, comes fresh tree pollen. And with my severe allergies, comes a brutal sinus infection. I'm finally starting to feel better, which is one of the most amazing feelings ever. I have bad allergies - some trees, grass, dust[mites], some mold, some weeds (oddly enough not ragweed), and cats. I get allergy shots regularly, which keeps everything in control most of the time...and allows me to be around Mike's 2 cats. Still, the warm weather that comes when winter is over is dusted with bittersweetness because I know it means my allergies will be in full bloom. But since I'm feeling better, I can finally go outside and play [in the pollen with some good doses of allergy meds]!!!

Easy-going

2011-04-07T21:25:00.000-05:00

jeans: Gap

bronze flats: Me Too (these have seen better days but they're SO comfortable!)

white knit shirt: Gap

white tank (under shirt): ?

gray sweater: LOFT

necklace: Target

yup, those are a box of wine bottles in the corner waiting to be recycled

I loved this outfit - it's simple, but I felt so relaxed and easy-going in it.

As for this week's FBFF questions, it asks to discuss spring trends we're looking forward to.

This is a tough one, I'm not good at picking up on trends until they're well underway or passed, actually. But I think the one I've seen is the wide-leg and flared pants that are coming back into style. I do love skinny jeans/pants, but I'm excited to see other pants varieties in the stores...especially because I'm a pants person. I think stripes are supposedly in style more...but I've been wearing stripes most of the time anyways. I've seen more platform flats too, but I don't love the way those look on me, although they are pretty fun. I'm not even super tall (5'7"), but I feel self-conscious in heels sometimes.

What spring/summer trends are you looking forward to?

Wednesday

2011-04-06T08:09:00.000-05:00

cognac mini heels: NaNa via Nordstrom

black pants: Gap

white button down: Target

necklace: gift

I'm really drawn to the simplicity of outfits like this. I feel so low-maintenance, which I love.

Tree allergies are high right now. I'm crazy allergic to birch trees in particular and there are alot around here. Too bad, I think they're so pretty. Sometimes when allergies hit, it makes me more susceptible to colds and sinus infections. I'm taking today off from work because I came down with a gross head cold. I had no meetings scheduled, so I can just get some work done from home and take naps so I can heal up. Hopefully that means I'll have all the time in the world to read and comment on all the blogs!

April Showers Bring May Flowers

2011-04-04T21:56:00.000-05:00

boots: Steven Madden

navy tights: We Love Colors

white tee (layered under sweater): Gap

cardigan: Gap

necklace: gift

faux-pearl drop earrings: Express

shiny face: dropped my matte powder compact in the toilet...didn't think I should use it afterwards.

The crocuses have begun to pop up here and there hinting that spring is finally here, but this week looks like a lot of rain. The rain is just preparing us for more flowers, right?

Whistle while you work

2011-04-03T20:59:00.000-05:00

black flats: Easy Spirit

black pants: Gap

white tank: Gap

red sweater: Limited

necklace: Forever 21

Sometimes I find myself whistling around my apartment. I may or may not have been whistling while taking these pictures. These black pants are thicker knit (are they ponte-knit? I'm not sure. I tried looking it up, but couldn't tell). They're fairly substantial but stretch out by the end of the day. They stretch out everywhere except my calves, where they are the tightest.

After eating 15 Cadbury creme eggs in 5 days (for serious), I should probably lay off them for a few days.

Denim and Lace

2011-03-29T08:00:00.000-05:00

boots: Steve Madden (2010)

maroon tights: We Love Colors (2010)

cream lace skirt: Target (2010)

necklace: giveaway winnings from Melissa

jacket: Old Navy (2004)

purple tee: Old Navy (2008 or 2009)

It was much too cold out to wear this jacket as an outdoor coat, so instead I wore it as a layering piece indoors. (I'm still wore my winter coat over it outside.) I tried to make this outfit springy while still weather appropriate. I was in an outfit-funk for a couple weeks, but I think this one got me out of it. How do you get out of outfit-funks?

I think I'm overdosing on Cadbury Creme eggs. I couldn't find them at the local CVS so I was going through withdrawal for a couple weeks. I hunted them down at Walgreens and stocked up. But wow, I can eat those things like a handful of m&ms!

I'm not so great at gracefully taking off my jacket to pose...

2011 Goal Updates

2011-03-28T07:46:00.000-05:00

silver flats: Me Too

jeans: Levi's

striped hoodie: hand-me-down

This outfit is simple but I liked it for a few reasons. For one, the hoodie is casual but it is slightly gathered towards the collar making it a bit frillier. I paired it with the straight-legged jeans and cuffed them. To top off the mix of rough-frilly, I added the silver ballet flats.

I thought I'd review my 2011 goals since we're almost 1/4 through the year.

1. Exercise more: I've joined a gym and have been going 2 (sometimes 3) times a week consistently. I don't hate it anymore and it doesn't make me miserable like it used to. This is improvement.

2. More fruits and vegetables: I've been pretty good with this one. I've also been bringing my lunch to school more often. (For Lent, I gave up buying lunch at the cafe in the building that I work in.)

3. Find a job: ...ugh, working on it.

4. Clean apartment more regularly: eh, I'm sort of falling short on this one.

5. Clean out my closet: yes, I did this! Although the bags of clothes are still sitting in my living room. I'm probably ready for a 2nd go round for non-clothing items (books, DVDs, stuff, etc.) I'll be moving at the end of this summer and need to de-clutter.

6. Buy only clothing that I really love: I really haven't been shopping much at all this year actually. I've been trying to save some money.

7. Blogging: I've been reading but sadly haven't been commenting or posting as much as I would like. I'm going to try to improve here.

Outfit inspiration

2011-03-25T11:06:00.000-05:00

jeans: Levi

black flats: Easy Spirit

black, gray layered tanks:

sweater: LOFT

necklace: Limited

Bon Jovi scarf: Bon Jovi

nails: Sally Hansen Salon Effects - Real Nail Polish Strips

outfit inspired by Elaine

(yay, I finally found these Nail Strips in this leopard print pattern. I applied them Sunday afternoon and they're still pretty good today, Friday. And little tiny chips are hardly noticeable with the pattern.)

When I saw Elaine wear this outfit, I knew I wanted to recreate it. It had such an easy effortless style that I love. I had pretty much everything for it and when I tried it on last Monday morning, it worked! It felt so breezy, chic, effortless, and comfortable - I really liked it. It was a bit warmer this day so the cropped pants were perfect for the Spring weather.

Spring was just peaking its head around the corner and smiling at us gracing us with its lovely warm presence. But we must have scared it off or perhaps Spring just wasn't ready because it quickly disappeared and hasn't come back since. Come back Spring!

Back to Basics

2011-03-23T22:35:00.000-05:00

silver flats: Me Too

jeans: Express

blue tee: H&M

sweater: Gap

necklace: Etsy, "It's All About the Print"

Remember when I said I only had 1 floral thing in my closet? Well, turns out I was wrong...or unintentionally lying, whichever. I have this floral sweater I snatched up on final clearance last spring at the Gap. (Turns out I was really wrong, because I have this skirt, this dress, and this skirt.) Still, my point was I'm more of a stripes/polkadot gal than floral.

Back to this outfit: when I'm uninspired I tend to go back to basic pieces and things I feel most comfortable in. For me, of course that includes jeans, flats, a cardigan over a tee. It's simple, but my go-to look in a pinch. I was happy to wear this sweater again. I think it's adorable, but I don't really have many ideas to style it. I think it could work with a my gray pencil skirt, black pants, jeans, but what else? Maybe this dress or the first dress in this post?

How is everyone's week going?

Weekend wear

2011-03-21T21:34:00.000-05:00

black boots: White Mountain

footless tights: gift

skirt: Smashion

black sweater: Gap

necklace: Limited

where: mall and movies with a friend

I haven't had too many new outfits lately. Some days I didn't get a chance to take a picture, other days I didn't feel like the outfit was worth photographing, some days were repeats of past outfits. Here's an outfit from the weekend before last. I automatically pair this skirt with neutrals, but I think it'd be super fun with a red sweater! I wore this outfit to the mall and then to see "The King's Speech" with a friend and I loved it.

Have you seen any good movies lately? The recent ones that I've seen are: (The King's Speech), The Fighter, Blue Valentine.

What about TV shows? My current favorites are "How I Met Your Mother" (this most recent episode had me in tears), "The Middle", and "Big Bang Theory".

Interview Attire

2011-03-15T21:01:00.002-05:00

black suit: Banana Republic

black heels: Circa Joan & David, via Nordstrom

stocking knee highs: ?

light green short sleeved button-down shirt: Banana Republic

pearl earrings: graduation gift from my parents

where: for an interview for an assistant professor faculty position

Last week I interviewed for an assistant professor faculty position (tenure track) at a school and this is what I wore that day. As you all have probably noticed, I'm definitely more of a pants person than skirt or dress. Accordingly, my suit is a classic black pants suit. I felt it was best to dress conservatively and simple for the interview. I didn't want to fuss and I wanted to feel confident. For me, the black pants suit did it. When faculty candidates have interviewed in the chemistry department at the school I'm at now, everyone wears a suit. I know for other fields it might be stuffy or inappropriate, but it's definitely the norm in chemistry. I also intentionally wore my glasses. I like to wear them at interviews because I feel like they give me a barrier of protection. I went simple with the jewelry and wore pearl earrings that my parents had given me for my Ph.D. graduation (in addition to my newly acquired ring).

As for the interview, it did seem to go well. It's a school I think I would love and I think I could do a good job there. As I've briefly mentioned in a previous post, however, the job is a longshot for several reasons. Anyways, I'm just telling myself not to get excited and prepare for the worst. I get my heart set on jobs too easily. Chances are, I won't get it. I'm putting myself out there on this post by telling you all that I interviewed for a job I probably won't get. I hate rejection. But could you keep your fingers crossed for me?

What do you wear for interviews? Are there others out there who like a black suit?

2011-03-14T19:58:00.001-05:00

boots: Steve Madden

navy tights: We Love Colors

striped dress: Old Navy

belt: Ann Taylor, via Ebay

hair: no idea how it worked out, but I like it here.

Thanks for your support on my last post - it's a good thing I figured some job stuff out and I feel so much better. I still have quite the job hunt ahead, but at least I know where to look. I feel so silly because I trapped myself in my stupid plan. Ah well, you live you learn.

And now for the outfit. I think we know by now my love for stripes, so no surprise I fell head over heels when I saw this dress online. It lacks a shape without a belt, so I would definitely need a cardigan or belt to wear with it. I'd love to try it with a navy, red, or metallic neutral skinny belt!

How was everyone's Monday?

It's my life

2011-03-14T10:16:00.000-05:00

black shoe-boots: White Mountain, via Macy's

jeans: Gap

tee: LOFT

sweater: LOFT

pin: gift from ACS - 2011 is the International Year of Chemistry!

where: school

Last week, the Executive Director and CEO of the American Chemical Society (ACS) came to visit school to meet with students/post docs and to give a couple talks. I got the chance to meet with her and it was a really valuable experience. She really emphasized a few things that I've been thinking about lately. For one thing, we don't always end up what we thought we'd be doing. Sometime life takes us in directions we don't expect. For another, we can choose what we want to do. Finally, we may make choices given our personal/family situation - and that's okay.

These are things I've been thinking a lot about lately. I didn't really know what I wanted to do after grad school. I never actually thought about it. I figured, when I was finished, I would just know. In my head, I had fabricated a "practical plan" - funny because in my mind "practical" didn't quite describe what I actually wanted to do. It was what I felt I should do. This plan of mine was to go into industry for a while (5-10 years or so), make $$$, then maybe decide to teach at a community college, small 4 year college, or high school. I was attached to this plan for a long time. But then I started asking myself, is this what I want to do?

I felt lost because I didn't know what I wanted. I felt like I was wandering through careers asking "is this what I want to be when I grow up?" One day I decided to go into science outreach, but those jobs are so rare these days and most have been cut when the budget tightens. For a couple months I thought I was bound for nursing school. But I shuddered at the thought of even more school. Deep down, however, I always knew that I wanted to teach... someday. Still, I didn't feel "someday" had arrived. This wasn't part of my plan. I was rejecting what I really wanted becuse it didn't fall into my plan.

I always saw myself eventually as a teacher. I didn't feel ready to teach high school right after college. I went to grad school because it would open the door for a lot of opportunities down the road. I went through an extensive teaching program during grad school because I did see myself teaching at some point in the future. Still, it was always later down the road.

These last couple months, I feel like a lightbulb went off in my head. But it didn't light up immediately. It was a slow gradual lighting like those dimmer lights. I want to teach. Why do I have to wait to fit into my [un]"practical plan"? I made up that damn plan, why can't I make up a new plan? Suddenly I felt focused. I actually *know* which jobs I am looking for now. In my head I'm saying, "wtf, Jul, why the hell did it take you so long." But I'm trying to be nice to myself. Better late than never. After all, job hunting books say statistically, it takes just as long to find a job you want as it does to find one that you don't want. You might as well do what you want.

It's my life.

"It's My Life" Bon Jovi (2000)

disclaimer: I do understand that sometimes jobs are solely to pay the bills. I've held those jobs and I will continue to take them when necessary. However, I firmly believe it is important to work towards a job/career that you want and that you love.

FBFF: Blogging Balance

2011-03-11T18:21:00.000-06:00

First and foremost I want to thank everyone for the kind wishes on my last post! We're super excited :-)

Now onto a couple outfits and some FBFF!

silver flats: Me Too

jeans: Express

striped tee: Gap

belt: Ebay

where: school

boots: Steve Madden

jeans: Gap

black tee: Gap

scarf: ModCloth

where: school

Nothing too exciting for outfits, I was just trying to keep up these last few hectic weeks. I've been preparing for a job interview that I had (long shot, but fingers crossed, please!) and just trying to figure a few things out. But this week's FBFF is appropriate for the busy times.

1. When it comes to prioritizing your life, in what place does blogging fall?

For me, blogging is a hobby. So my family, friends, work/school, job hunting take precedence. Sometimes I can't manage to post timewise and sometimes I don't have anything positive to say. I find those days it's just better if I take a deep breath and skip the post. I usually keep up with reading the blogs I follow when things get busy, even if I don't manage to comment on them.
2. We all wish we had more free time to dedicate to blogging and all it entails. What are your tricks for taking advantage of the time you do have to be as productive as possible?
I'll post while I watch TV at home.
3. Have you discovered any short-cuts that makes blogging easier or more time efficient?
I find that writing posts when I have to time and saving them as drafts is efficient. That way when I'm pressed for time I have drafts all ready to go!
4. Do you have an editorial calendar or something similar that helps you plan ahead?
No, I have drafts of posts saved on the back burner until I'm ready for them or need something to post.

5. If time wasn’t an issue what you would be doing on your blog/for your blog that you aren’t doing now?
I'm constantly telling myself I should be better at commenting and reading new blogs.

That's all folks! What are you weekend plans? Anything fun? Anything not-fun?
I hope to eat some more Cadbury Creme eggs, clean up the apartment, and do some laundry.

Sushi, Sake, and Champagne!

2011-03-09T18:54:00.000-06:00

boots: David Tate

blue polka dot tights: Gap

dress: LOFT

belt: H&M

faux-pearl drop earrings: Express

This past weekend, Mike took me out for dinner in downtown Chicago. I had a feeling it would be a special evening (several reasons), so I wanted to wear something nice. I didn't know what to wear and when I asked what I should wear to the restuarant (he didn't tell me where we were going), he replied with, "whatever you want." I asked him then what he was wearing and he replied with, "clothes." He's super helpful. Either way, I ended up with this outfit.

We went out for sushi and sake (our first date when we re-started dating 3 years ago was for sushi), then he took me to the Ritz Carlton by the lake and the John Hancock building where we had champagne. And then he proposed! I eagerly replied "yes!!!" and so we are now engaged. I'm getting married :-)

...and I am so freaking excited!!!

immediately afterwards...

the next day at brunch

Polka Dots and FBFF

2011-03-04T07:30:00.001-06:00

black boots: David Tate

black pants: Gap

polka dot shirt: Gap

Purple sweater: Charlotte Russe

belt: gift

faux-pearl drop earrings: Express

where: school

I bought this polka dot shirt at Gap last fall on final clearance immediately before the fall 30x30 started, but I never really wore it until recently (and this is its blog debut). As it turns out, I think this is one of my favorite outfits. I felt comfortable in the pants and I actually liked the belting. I'll definitely be trying this one again.

Now on to FBFF! This weeks question talk about beauty products.

1. What's your favorite drug store makeup product and your favorite higher-end product?

I'm not sure if I have a favorite product...I tend to like CoverGirl things. I love my midnight blue eyeliner from Victoria's Secret. It's reasonably priced ($12ish?), goes on so smooth, and the color is so pretty. I also like Clinique Almost Lipstick in Black Honey. It's a sheer berry color.

2. Is there one type of product that is your go-to, can't live without?

Cherry ChapStick! There's just the slightest hint of color, which I love.

3. What's the best hair product you've ever used?

John Frieda Frizz Ease Extra Strength Serum. It's not too heavy and nothing works as well for my hair. Also, it has such a light scent - it's definitely not too overpowering.

4. Fess up, what's the worst beauty look you've tried to rock and look back at now with a little shame or apprehension that you actually did that?

I went to a tanning bed about 5-10 times my sophomore year in college. (1) I don't really tan, I just get red (not necessarily burnt, just not tan). (2) SO UNHEALTHY.

5. When it comes to beauty products, we all use the same basic products. What do you use that helps show off your personal flare and personality?

This is a tough one. I really like my navy eyeliner - it's just different enough from black that I can see a difference.

What about you? What kind of makeup do you wear?

Happy Friday everyone!

Trying to make black intentional

2011-03-03T08:07:00.000-06:00

black boots: David Tate via WideWidths.com

black pants: Gap

white tank (layered underneath): Gap

yellow sweater: ModCloth

bracelet: ?

black earrings: gift

where: Saturday evening out

I do love some bright colors with black pants. But there's been lots out there on the blogosphere about making black intentional and not just as an afterthought. Angie also recommends using black on the top half as well to bookend the color. I tried with the black earrings and black bracelet. This sweater doesn't work great with a necklace for me, so I hope the earrings did the trick. How else would you pair this yellow sweater? I've worn it with a cream lace skirt and tights, black pants, and jeans.

This was the first time all season that I wore these black boots! I love them and they're fairly comfortable. It's just that I don't wear heels that often. I should try and wear them a bit more before the weather gets too warm.

Happy Thursday :-)

When the stars align

2011-03-01T22:20:00.002-06:00

jeans: Gap

brown oxford heels: Easy Spirit

blue/white striped tee: Target

navy cardigan: Gap

necklace: gift

This outfit wasn't anything special, but it is a typical go-to outfit of mine when I'm not sure what else to wear. But the stars must have aligned because I didn't argue with my hair in the morning. It was the rare day that my hair must have been the perfect length within a billionth of an inch to lie the correct way. The humidity/temperature must have been perfect. My hair was wavy and not too frizzy. I had air dried it the day before, slept on it, and ended up with this the next day. I haven't been able to repeat it since. Better to have one good hair day than none at all :-)

p.s. yes my Christmas lights are still up and my apartment is a little cluttered/messy these days. I'm working on it.

Black+White+Red

2011-02-28T20:23:00.000-06:00

maroon tight: We Love Colors

black pants: Gap

black/white striped tank: Target

red sweater: Gap

faux-pearl drop earrings: Express

I love the combination of black+white+red and wore this outfit last week. It was pretty simple, fun, and super comfortable. I added the maroon tights under the pants mostly to add some depth to the outfit. They were a good idea in theory, but were SO uncomfortable since the pants were so fitted and they clung to the pants the whole time. ah, well.

Sorry for the lack of outfit post this past week - I didn't have things to post. I'm back this week though :-)

How is everyone's week looking? It's pretty busy here, but I get the sense that it's the same all around for others. I've been relaxing by eating some Cadbury Creme Eggs. You know, the ones that come in a pack of 4 if you're lucky. Once I finish the pack, I'm left temporarily satisfied, but find myself craving more soon enough. Easter is late this year too so I have plenty of creme eggs to eat the next [almost] 2 months.

I hope everyone had a great start to the week!

2011-02-21T08:41:00.000-06:00

flats: Easy Spirit

leggings: Target

pink polka dot dress: H&M

black cardigan: LOFT

black tank: Banana Republic

necklace, bracelets: gifts

where: school for the day, evening Valentine's Day celebration with Mike.

It was much warmer last week and I was tired of boots. It's amazing how warm 35 degrees feels. I wore this last Monday for Valentine's Day. Mike and I always get take out to celebrate. This year, I had a Groupon for Hecky's... because nothing says love like discounted barbecue :-)

Here is my come hither look. Come to me, I have barbecue.

The awesome bracelet from Melissa!

Happy Monday! I hope everyone had a great weekend!

Body Image

2011-02-18T08:14:00.001-06:00

brown heels: Easy Spirit

jeans: Gap

red sweater: LOFT

necklace: Limited

scarf: Old Navy

(The scarf was on/off throughout the day depending on temperature. I had a necklace on too, so it would break up the top half of my outfit when the scarf wasn't on.)

See, I told you I had more red in store for you. I'm just absolutely loving it! And it was like, a million degrees outside. And by a million, I mean 50's. HEATWAVE.

On to the Fashion Beauty Friend Friday (FBFF) questions for this week (below the picture).

1. Since you started blogging has your image of yourself changed?
I feel more comfortable with myself. I realized I don't have to be a size 0 to experiment with fashion or style. I can try whatever trend I want!

2. Are you self-conscious about any aspect of yourself? If so, do you go out of your way to avoid it or do you post it/talk about it anyway?
Oh my, yes. I avoid posting pictures which I personally find unflattering. I think we all have criteria for unflattering pictures of ourselves. There are two specific aspects of myself that I look at in pictures - if it passes that "test", I'll post them. It's funny I think how we're picky about certain things about ourselves.
3. Based on how you are feeling now, what do you think the future holds in the evolution of your body image?
I'm okay with it. This is the body I got, and I should be thankful, grateful, and appreciative of all that I do have. I should treat it well by exercising and trying to eat in moderation.

4. Do you photograph yourself for your blog? If so, how do you feel about the experience when you're having your picture taken?
I kind of love posing in front of my camera on the tripod in front of no one. I don't like anyone to watch though. No strangers, no Mike, no friends. This is the number 1 reason why I don't go outdoors to take photos.

5. What would you want every person who struggles with body image to take to heart?
Oh, this is tough. I think it's something we have to come to terms with on our own actually. When I was 20 lbs lighter I freaked out at every little thing I ate or whether I exercised enough or if I gained a pound. If someone told me to appreciate my body then, I would have smiled and nodded but not really listened. I'm not sure what else to say.

Happy Friday!

Continuing with Red

2011-02-17T11:00:00.000-06:00

boots: Steve Madden

leggings: Target

dress: Modcloth

belt: Ann Taylor via Ebay

brown tank: Banana Republic

red sweater: Gap

I've got plenty more "red" outfits up my sleeve and another one to post for tomorrow. I'm really loving it this month. Looking in my closet, I realize this is the ONLY floral pattern I have! I have lots of stripes and some polka dots, but this is it for floral. I do love this dress though - it's super short, so I try to pair it with leggings but the colors are so rich and vibrant!

Regarding my comments about age yesterday - I realize it really comes down to the tone in which people inquire and the situation. It's when someone says something like, "really. you don't look old enough." It's as if they don't believe me and there's a judgmental tone in their voice. I think it comes down to tone. All about tone and the situation.

but it's Thursday! that's a happy thing because tomorrow is Friday. then the weekend :o)

A new haircut and a funny thing about age

2011-02-16T11:27:00.000-06:00

sequined zebra print flats: Target (for like, $3.24 or something ridiculous like that)

rubine tights: We Love Colors

lace skirt: Target

navy top: Macy's

necklace: giveaway from Melissa!

bracelet: gift

haircut: Red 7

where: out for a casual dinner Saturday night

I can only stand my hair longer for so long - it's thick and wavy and bushy. I get fidgety and itch to cut it all off. Sometimes it's because I need to mirror changes in my life (breakups, stressful events) because it gives me a new start. Sometimes I just get bored.

My reasons for this haircut were (1) I was a little bored. (2) I wanted to look a little more mature and I think a styled haircut helps with that. The last few months I've been getting some comments that I "look soooo young" (which I don't think I do). I think I look exactly as old as I am. Why does it bother me? Well, people seem to think I've just started college- and when they press about it, they're shocked that I've graduated college, shocked that I'm done with grad school, and shocked that grad school was 5 years - putting me at 27. [I don't mind being IDed for alcohol because the cashiers are just doing their job.] I mind the random comments by strangers asking me how college is or the assumption that I'm just out of high school when it's no one's business. When I try to casually change the subject after politely saying I'm not in school anymore they continue to press me on my age and it drives me crazy. I'm exactly where I need to be right now. I'm a very different person than I was when I was 18 or 19 and I've accomplished a lot since then. I know in 10 years or something I may love the "young" comments, but not now. I feel like comments on age are a little judgmental and intrusive, both young and old comments. I'm not going around telling strangers how old they look.

Do you think comments on your age are appropriate? Do they bother you? How do you change your appearance or impression people get of your age?

Afterthought: So, usually these comments come without any interaction with me - it's not like we've been having a conversation. It's not at school/work. This is randomly at the grocery store or other stores. Maybe it's strangers trying to be friendly, but when I change the subject, go with it!

Giveaway winner!

2011-02-16T10:40:00.000-06:00

Congratulations to coriwestphal, the winner of my first giveaway! Congrats, I hope you enjoy the $50 credit to CSNstores!!! I'll be emailing you later today!

In a red sort of mood

2011-02-15T10:47:00.001-06:00

black shoe-boots: Macy's (also seen here)

jeans: Gap

gray sweater: LOFT

red cowl neck sleeveless sweater: Macy's

faux-snakeskin belt: H&M

faux-pearl drop earrings: Express

I've really been a in a red mood lately. So many of the little outfit combos I've been coming up with in my head involve red. Maybe because it's February (month associated with hearts-biological and the <3 kind). Maybe because it's snowy and slushy out and I need some color. Whatever it is, I'm drawn to it.

Here I belted over my sweater because it was a thinner belt and a thinner sweater. I tried to fake an hourglass figure (or at least give myself some hips to match my chest) by buttoning only the middle button of the cardigan so there's [a "v" on the top half and] a "^" on the bottom half.

What colors have you been feeling like lately?

p.s. LAST DAY for the CSNstores giveaway! It's open until 11:59 pm central time tonight!

2011-02-14T08:15:00.001-06:00

sneakers: DKNY (closeup above from a previous outfit)

red sweater: Gap

jeans: Gap

plaid shirt: Old Navy

gray belt: Ebay

necklace, bracelets: gifts

faux-pearl drop earrings: Express

where: school. Sometimes I find belting underneath the cardigan helps create interest and define a waist without being too bulky on me, especially with wide belts.

Happy Valentine's Day to you! I love Valentine's Day. But it has more to do with me loving sparkles, hearts, the colors pink and red, and chocolate more than anything else. I loved coming to school when I was little and exchanging those little cards with classmates. In college, my roommates and I always did something fun for the day (like make a festive cocktail, bake cupcakes, decorate something, eat candy). So today I hope you get some candy and/or cupcakes :-)

p.s. don't forget to enter my giveaway to CSNstores! It's a $50 credit! Tomorrow, Feb 15 is the last day.

I love stripes!

2011-02-09T16:23:00.000-06:00

brown boots: Naturalizer

jeans: Express

blue/white striped tee: Target

necklace: Forever 21

belt, ring: made by my grandpa

dark gray sweater: LOFT

I love stripes, especially the horizontal kind. I just love the way they look. There are those pesky little fashion "rules" that say they're unflattering, but whatever. Personally, I think they flatter and I love 'em. I think that they camouflage my belly rolls, lumps, and pudges (much more than solids).

As for patterns, I'm definitely a stripes and polka dot pattern person instead of floral. I like floral on other people, but I'm never drawn to floral patterned items in the store for some reason.

What kind of patterns are you drawn to? Are you a stripes/polka or floral person? A little bit of both? Neither? Plaid?

p.s. Don't forget to check out my giveaway! $50 to CSN stores!!!

My first giveaway!

2011-02-08T20:36:00.002-06:00

I'm excited to announce my very first giveaway! CSN stores has generously offered a $45 credit to one lucky reader. CSN Stores is comprised of over 200 stores in which you can buy a variety of things such as pots and pans, furniture, vases, shoes, luggage, patio gear, exercise gear, swingsets, and even more!

*I'm sorry, but this is restricted to readers in the US and Canada*

Here's how you enter:

mandatory comment
(1) Leave me a comment telling me something you'd buy at CSN stores (www.csnstores.com) if you won and an email address

other entries (must be in addition to the first, but you can do all of them!)
(2) Follow my blog in some way (Google, Twitter, BlogLovin, etc) and leave a comment telling me how you follow.
(3) Tweet about the giveaway and leave a comment telling me so, be sure to include @PolkaDBShorts in the tweet
(4) Blog about the the giveaway and leave a comment telling me so, please leave a link
(5) Leave a comment telling me a joke.
(6) Leave a comment telling me your favorite thing about winter.
(7) Leave a comment about what you're most looking forward to/excited about right now (spring, the weekend, lunch, sleep, etc.)

This giveaway is open for one week through February 15th, 11:59 pm central time. (On 2/16/11 I will pick a winner at random.)

yay, good luck!

p.s. please refrain from posting about this on the CSN stores Facebook page, as it violates their Facebook policy.

update:
p.p.s. It has now been increased to a $50 credit!!!

Simple Outfit

2011-02-08T17:45:00.000-06:00

black wedges: Macy's, I can't remember what kind...

gray cords: Gap

black sweater: Gap

necklace: gift

I totally planned to wear this outfit substituting in light purple cords (same brand, size, style, year) here, but they were a hand-me-down from a friend and although they were exactly the same (different color), they fit completely differently - weird. I'll see what I can do with them - I don't want to get rid of some awesome purple cords quite yet. Anyways simple outfit here. At the end of the day (when I took these pics) I added some red lipstick. Sometimes at the end of the day when I get home, I need a little lipstick. It makes me feel better.

On a different note, I made it out to CT for my grandma's funeral/memorial. Given the situation, it was a great weekend and we had a lovely service for her. It was nice to see so much family and tell some ridiculous and funny stories. Here are just a few pictures we uncovered this weekend. I love old photos.

Yes, she's smoking a cigar. She was a pistol and we loved her for it.

my cousin Katie, me, and Grandma, c. 1985

little Irene, 1929.

Lovely. Somethings never change :-)

Friend Friday: Blogging "Events/Challenges"

2011-02-04T08:35:00.012-06:00

So it seems these questions arise from some discussions that were out this week regarding blog challenges, "events," and people jumping on the bandwagon to be one of the cool kids. I know there were some interesting thoughts out there.

1. With all the blogging events out there how do you determine which ones to participate in and which ones to avoid?
I participate in the ones that I feel like at the time. For example, I did Kendi's 30 for 30 this past fall. It was fun. I'm sitting it out this winter because I don't feel like it right now. If I forced myself to do it, it wouldn't have been fun for me this time and would have been a chore. I don't want dressing and blogging to be a chore.

2. Be honest, have you ever jumped on the bandwagon of some blogging movement/event for the wrong reasons? How did that turn out?
So what's a wrong reason? I'm not sure. I guess if it interrupts my life or blog in a way I don't want it to? I've done some of these blogging events but I don't think they were for the wrong reasons...

3. How do you give your own flair to a blog event while still maintaining the general mission and purpose?
Mine is a little eclectic right now - it's focused on primarily style with tv episode (90210) references, Bon Jovi songs, and random parts of my personal life sprinkled throughout. My general purpose is to document my style as I figure out what my personal style actually is. So during one of these blog "events," it's pretty much the same, except with a more specific focus for a time being.

4. When determining the best content for your blog what criterion do you keep in mind?
Does it pertain to my personal style? Can I add a few tv references for flavor?...if yes, then chances are it's good for me.

5. While everything will not suit your blog, how do you try and support your fellow bloggers who are participating in something worthwhile but not your style?
I continue to read them, even if I'm not commenting as regularly. I find that I may learn something new or find new interests myself.

Other thoughts in general
Pretty much I think people should do what they want to do with their own blogs. If you want to participate in an event or a challenge, go for it. If not, don't. I read a few comments earlier this week that kind of irked me. Someone said that they think people feel pressure to participate in challenges for fear that they won't be one of the cool kids and that these challenges create divides between those who participate and those who don't. I don't feel uncool because I'm not doing the 30 for 30 this time around, but maybe I should ;o)

necklace: gift

jeans: Gap

purple tee: Target

gray sweater: Gap

scarf: Old Navy

silver sneaker heels: DKNY

Here is a closeup up of the shoes that I wore this past fall.

where: out to brunch for Bloody Mary specials then to see The Fighter (which I thought was an awesome movie.)

p.s. Thank you for your support these last couple days when I was worried about making it to my grandma's memorial. As of now, it looks like I should make it. Thank you again!!!

Things to do on a snowy day: Part 2

2011-02-02T18:11:00.000-06:00

I dismissed myself early from lab yesterday so I didn't have to travel in the blizzard. Also, Mike's boss sent him home early for the weather and it was perfect timing for him to pick me up at school :-)

When I got home, I was inspired by all the sketches I've seen lately. I recently discovered little tin soldier, saw Clare's sketches for her 30 for 30, and remembered Lauren's sketch of JoAnn's outfit.

I decided to try my hand at sketching an outfit. I decided on this turquoise and mustard colored outfit.

and came up with this:

It's a rough sketch, but it was super fun to do. I had trouble getting the colors right because I have a pack of 12 Crayola colored pencils and there was lots of color-layering. It's something I might try again sometime...maybe the next snow day :-)

Things to do on a snowy day: Part 1

2011-02-02T15:44:00.000-06:00

Disclaimer: There may be a little bit of venting and freaking out here. also, no style for Part 1. Part 2 will follow this evening.

1. Try to go outside this morning. SnOMG

2. Go back inside.

3. Wait for the snow to stop.

4. Freak out when flight for tomorrow is cancelled.

5. Cry.

6. Call the airline to reschedule.

7. Wait on hold for 45 minutes.

8. Speak to a representative who can rebook the flight for Friday. Wait for confirmation.

9. Freak out again when the call drops in the midst of waiting for confirmation.

10. Cry again.

11. Go online and see that the rebooking went through...probably.

12. Try to call the airline to confirm.

13. Get disconnected by airline because "the person I'm trying to reach is not available."

14. See online that I do have a seat on Friday's flight, so I think it is rebooked...

15. Calm down.

16. Decide to go outside and dig out my car.

17. Think to myself, my God, I hope that's not my car.

18. Laugh at the ridiculousness, because of course it is my car.

19. Start digging

20. Take a break and sled down a big snow pile made by neighbors, (who I just met).

21. Back to burrowing.

22. Neighbors just walk up to the car and help me. I offer to help with their car, but they're already finished. I thank them profusely and ask how else I can thank them. They say they're just trying to help people out and then they move along their merry way.

23. I finish shoveling and digging out the car.

Big shout out to my neighbors here. THANK YOU!!!

*Title referencing episode 2.26 "Things to do on a rainy day", April 23, 1992. David, Donna, Kelly, and Brenda decide to see Color Me Badd on a rainy day.

Blizzard Wear

2011-02-01T10:37:00.000-06:00

black boots: White Mountain

jeggings: H&M

Love your City tee: Gap

blue sweater: Gap (fall 2007)

necklace: gift

brown boots: London Fog

jeggings: H&M

blue tee: LOFT

white sweater: Gap

I'm sure most of you heard about the blizzard we're supposed to get here in Chicago. As long as I can get out of town to CT by Friday night for my grandma's memorial, I'm all for the snow. Bring it on, blizzard - just stop and clear up for the airports to be functional, please. I already changed my flight once for this trip.

Here are a couple of casual outfits I had stored from the last month or so. Both are comfy and casual and good for last minute errands and sitting inside. I walked to school in something similar to the second outfit here today, but the jeggings were a bit thin for the wind. I was going to layer some pants over them for the commute, but when I was all bundled up inside my apartment I was plenty warm and said, "eh, I'll be fine." That's a common error on my part. I get so warm bundled up inside that I always underestimate how cold it can be outside - you'd think I'd learn.

Snow snow come along

Please don't make the weathermen wrong

Do your part

Right from the start

Just clear real fast so I can fly at last!

Friend Friday

2011-01-28T09:58:00.001-06:00

Happy Friday! Here we go, Friend Friday:

1. What technology do you use in blogging? (computer, camera, video/camera, tripod, etc...)
I use a Canon Digital Elph PowerShot SD1100 that I got for Christmas in 2008. It's pretty good for a point and shoot. I have a tripod that I use to take my own pictures inside and I use the camera timer. I have a Dell laptop that I use.

2. What computer and online technology do you use? (blogging system,photo storage, photo editing tools, etc..)
I use Blogger and store all my pictures on my computer in a folder. I also upload some pictures onto Flickr and add them to the group wardrobe_remix.

3. What is your process for taking pictures?
I set the timer to take 5 pictures in a row, then prance around and pose in front of the camera. I review them to edit which ones I like and then repeat if necessary. Sometimes I decide I hate my outfit in pictures so I change. Then repeat this whole process. I've been known to change/photograph, etc. 5-6 times upon occasion. It's interesting how sometimes outfits look so different in photos in real life! Which do you think is more accurate - the mirror or the camera?

4. When it comes to backdrops for your photos what do you consider? Do you scout locations or shoot the same spot daily?
Almost always the same spot in the doorway of the backdoor to my apartment. I used to take the pictures in my kitchen. I'm too shy to venture outside in front of people and take pictures of myself.

5. If you could splurge and get one new piece of equipment what would you be buying?
Hmmm...I'm not sure. If I were to splurge on something right now, it probably wouldn't be on technology.

boots: London Fog

gray/blue polka dot socks: Gap

rust tights layered over mocha tights: We Love Colors

jean skirt: Old Navy

blue/white striped tee: Target

gray sweater:LOFT

bracelet: gift

necklace: gift

where: to a friend's place to watch the NFC title game, Bears vs. Packers.

I don't have a Bears shirt (maybe soon), so I wore all the orange that I had - this necklace, these tights, and a scarf Mike's sister knit for me [not shown here]. I'm a bad pro-football fan. I root for the Bears, but I don't hate the Packers. I tend to root for the teams that my friends root for. That means in the last 10 years, I've rooted for the Vikings, Eagles, Steelers, Pats, Bears, Packers, Titans, and Saints. I'm not a fairweather fan - I don't choose my teams based off of who is winning...just who my friends are rooting for.

I'm a much better college football fan.

Almost Friday

2011-01-27T08:07:00.000-06:00

brown heels: Easy Spirit

jeans: gap

white tank: ?

white tee: gap

sweater: LOFT

necklace: gift

I got this sweater over Christmas break at the LOFT - it was on clearance and they were having a 50% off everything sale, so it was probably about $10. The sweater is quite normal from the front, but the back has a striped panel (fine black stripes on white). It was a little different, so for the price, I had to go for it. Because the cardigan opening in front was wide, I tried to add some detail to break up the white with the button details on the shirt. For its first wear, I started off simple with the white shirt - what else would you wear this with?

I'm a little behind on Google Reader, but I hope to catch up soon. I apologize for my lack of commenting this week.

a new background

2011-01-26T16:19:00.000-06:00

boots: Steve Madden

jeans: Gap

shirt: NY&Co

scarf: gift, made by my mom

belt: gift, made by my grandpa

earrings: gift, made by my cousin

bracelets: gifts

I thought I'd try a new background in my apartment and this is what I came up with. (Yes, I still have my Christmas decorations up. I think it's 65% laziness and 35% intention. I'm just not quite ready for Christmas to be over. soon though.) I know this outfit wasn't the most creative, but I liked how I styled with accessories and my hair. This scarf that my mom made a few weeks ago is a beautiful shade of turquoise and is so soft, thick, and long. I loved wearing it as a cowlneck in contrast to the color of the shirt. I felt like my hair should be up in a neat little bun with the pretty earrings that my cousin made for me for Christmas.

Do you change your hairstyle with different outfits?

And when I took these pictures I could barely walk from overworking my calves.

More Winter Shorts

2011-01-25T10:16:00.001-06:00

cream sweater: Gap

brown with tiny white speckled leggings: Target

brown boots: Naturalizer

shorts: Gap via Ebay

white tank [under sweater]: Gap

necklace: LOFT

bracelet: gift

So here's another iteration of my winter shorts. Again, I went with the neutrals, which I'm really into these past 6 months or so for some reason. I'm trying to get some colored remixes in with them though, don't worry.

I went to an aerobics step class last week at the gym. It went pretty well and I'm going to try to go again tonight. But my calves were KILLING ME the next two days. Now, I have some big calves as it is - they are pretty freaking strong too and I'm not used to ever doing anything that makes them sore. The only thing I can think of is that I likely did the whole step class on my toes, without realizing it. Dancing for so long throughout high school and college, I was used to staying on my toes because we usually don't put our heels down unless specified. holy crap. I didn't think to stretch them as much afterwards because I didn't even realize what I was doing. Tonight, I will be putting my heels down and stomping instead of doing the entire thing on releve.

whoops.

Monday

2011-01-24T11:27:00.001-06:00

jeans: Gap

boots: Steve Madden

sweater, necklace: ModCloth

where: school/out on a Friday night

I fell in love with this sweater from ModCloth. You all probably know by now that I love stripes. And one big red stripe made me happy. I'm not sure how to remix it yet, but I felt so good all day in the sweater with the red flower necklace.

Alas, there will be a Bears-themed outfit coming up soon, but we know how that turned out. Oh well, I'm recent-convert to the Bears since moving here to Chicago, so I don't mind rooting for the Packers in a couple weeks.

Fashion Beauty Friend Friday: Authenticity

2011-01-21T09:21:00.001-06:00

Here are this week's Friend Friday questions/answers focusing on authenticity!

1. Most readers and fellow fashion bloggers value authenticity in the blogs they read. How would you describe blog/blogger authenticity?
I think blog/blogger authenticity is honesty and transparency in regards to their "real" life. For example, when bloggers admit that they added accessories or removed an item throughout the day because they changed their mind or it wasn't comfortable, or something just wasn't working. Or when they admit that they loved an outfit in particular, even if it didn't look as good on camera as in real life. I think it's the honest conversation they have. Opening themselves up a bit.

2. When it comes to your blog how to you infuse it with that true/authentic feeling?
I try to be honest. If I add some clothing item later on, I say it. Also, my apartment has white walls and there is alot of white space (I can't paint the walls here), so that's where my pictures are taken. I can go around finding interesting places to take pictures, (and I especially enjoy the photos from the bloggers that do so), but that's just not me. But prancing around in an outfit in my apartment and posing in the door frame? yeah, that's just about right.

3. Have you stopped following a blog in the last three months? What made you lose interest?
hmmm, no, not recently.

4. We can't communicate effectively on our blogs, something we don't live in real life... what are some ways you try to live an authentic life?
Just trying to be honest. Trying to stay positive even if I'm not optimistic. Admitting when I screw up. Trying to fix and learn from my mistakes.

5. Give a shout-out... Which bloggers do you think are truly genuine and why?
Check out my sidebar - those are most of them! But in particular, I think Melissa, Kelly, and La Historiadora de Moda. They're honest. I believe them.

...and here's an outfit I liked better in real life...

black boots: White Mountain

fuchsia patterned tights: Target

red tights [layered underneath]: We Love Colors

black skirt: Old Navy

magenta shirt: Target

scarf: Bon Jovi lyrics

Black and hot pink makes me happy. Tacky maybe, but I love it. I tried to tie the whole thing together by adding black throughout the outfit. Either way, this outfit was fun to wear. Happy Friday!

p.s. go Bears.

p.p.s. [update] here's a close up of the scarf from a while back.

Cleaned out my closet

2011-01-19T10:10:00.000-06:00

boots: Steve Madden (see, I wear these all the time!)

mocha tights [layered under]: We Love Colors

cream tights: Target

polka dot shirt dress: Target

belt: Ann Taylor via Ebay

earrings: LOFT

ring: World Market

where: school

So as I've mentioned in my 2011 goals and updates, I cleaned out my closet and came out with 2 garbage bags of clothing/shoes. They're still in my apartment and I'm having 2nd thoughts about a few things, that might make their way back into my closet. That's why I haven't donated the clothing yet, in case I change my mind about stuff. Well...it's really because I'm too lazy haven't gotten to it yet.

But when I was cleaning out my closet, I came across this dress that I got at Target a year ago. I had never worn it! I figured, donate it and get rid of it or wear it. So I wore it. It's a good length and it fits perfectly. The skirt portion is straight-cut and doesn't flare out, which is a shape I prefer on myself. I don't know why I hadn't worn it. I think it was just far enough out of my style-comfort zone that I was intimidated. But now that I wore it, I did like it and I think I'll wear it more often.

Do you have clothing items in your closet never-worn? What keeps you from wearing them?

Turquoise and mustard

2011-01-18T07:25:00.000-06:00

boots: Steven Madden

jeggings: H&M

mustard sweater: ModCloth

turquoise sweater: Target

belt: Ann Taylor, via Ebay

ring: World Market

where: school/work/office

Well, this isn't a color combination I would have thought of before becoming part of the blogosphere. But I was inspired by Kristin and thought I'd give it a try! At the end of the day, I took a chance, and I ended up really liking it. I added the belt to break up the color block and add some dimension. I think I got some funny looks in the hall though...but whatever, this color combo made me happy.

What unique color combos have you gone for?

Mixing Black with Brown

2011-01-17T08:20:00.000-06:00

cognac/camel boots: Steve Madden (a Christmas gift!)

jeans: Gap

cream top: NY&Co

black long sleeved tee [for layering, not visible]: LOFT

black sweater: LOFT

belt, ring: made by my grandpa

I've been looking for cognac flat boots that would fit my calves forever. So when I was out shopping with my mom after Christmas, I was really excited to see these on sale! They have a one inch wedge heel and I can walk to/from school in them. I think this color is perfect, because I think it goes with black and brown. Here I paired it with this thick black sweater from LOFT, another Christmas gift that my mom and I bought after Christmas on sale. (do you see a pattern? My parents usually buy me Christmas gifts after Christmas when my mom and I can go out shopping together.) I suppose I could have added a necklace, but sometimes I really like the look of a necklace-free outfits.

So, I discovered Google Reader. It's pretty damn convenient how it lists everything new and unread and has made it easier than ever to read all my favorite blogs (instead of clicking on each bookmark favorite individual, which I did for about a year.) I'm ready to take on new blogs! I'd love some suggestions - style blogs in particular, scientist style blogs, academic blogs, or blogs featuring people who are searching for careers/jobs. Anyone have some favorites?

2011 Goal Updates

2011-01-16T11:23:00.000-06:00

I hope everyone is having [or had] a great weekend! Here are a few updates on my 2011 goals.

Goal#
(1) I joined a gym! It wasn't too painful to join... AND I actually went yesterday. whoa. I did 30 minutes on the elliptical and used some of the weight machines for a while. and you know what? It wasn't terrible. Might I say, it may have even been good? Maybe :-) I still think I'm going to shoot for consistency in going 2 times a week, 3 if I feel like it. I think I'm going to try to go to one of the classes there with one of my coworker/friends who is also a member there. little steps.

(3) I applied for 3 faculty positions in the Chicago area. It's a little late in the game to apply for this next year, but the job advertisements were still up, so it was worth a shot. I'm glad I did it, but my hopes aren't up too high. They're all small liberal arts colleges that focus on teaching instead of research, which I think is a good fit for me.

(5) I cleaned out my closet! I came up with 2 garbage bags full of clothing and shoes that I can donate.

So that was a productive week. Especially because I tried out these Sally Hansen Salon effects "real nail polish strips" that Kelly mentioned. I really wanted a fun pattern, but CVS didn't have one I liked. So I went for a neutral metallic. So these nail strips are real nail polish, but you apply them like stickers. I rarely paint my fingernails because nail polish lasts about 23 minutes. A salon manicure lasts me 31 hours at best.

These nails strips were fairly easy to apply (I think I'd do better next time around) and had 0 drying time. There are 8 strips to a pack (and 2 packs to a box) and I was able to use a single strip on 2 nails for a couple of them. I wish they had a larger selection of sizes because my nails are broad, but it's not too noticeable unless you look really closely. I think I'd try one of the patterns if I saw it. So far, these have lasted about 16 hours longer than if I had painted my nails. So that's a success!

My First Friend Friday!

2011-01-14T08:41:00.000-06:00

yay, so I decided to join the fun in Friend Friday! Basically each week you answer a set of questions and post them for others to read...here we go!

1. How do you determine what you will wear that day?
Sometimes I plan out outfits in my head while lying in bed the night before. These planned outfits work out about 61% of the time. I also base it on whether on my daily activities: Am I walking into school? [shoe comfort] Do I have lab work to do? [long pants, close toe non-ballet flat shoes] Is the lab work messy? [wear jeans a t-shirt so I don't get upset when I ruin it.] I also go by the weather and try to predict if the lab/office will be over-heated or over-air conditioned.

2. Do you plan outfits out in advance for a whole week, month, weekend?
I may come up with very generic outfit ideas when I fold laundry or daydream during the day, but don't have a specific day to wear them. My outfits are mostly on a day to day basis.

3. Do you have any specific way of tracking outfits and items already worn so you don't repeat?
Hmmm, I usually remember when I've worn something in particular. If I love the outfit enough, I'll definitely repeat it. I guess the blog is a way to track outfits.

4. How do you discover new combinations of items in your closet? (Trial try-ons? Hanging items together?)
The 30 for 30 challenge was great for this. Usually I come up with combinations while walking into work, daydreaming/procrastinating, folding my laundry, etc. Sometimes I'll pick a specific item and go through the rest of my closet trying to see what else it will go with. Also by reading other style bloggers and seeing what my friends wears.

5. To streamline the process for 2011 what is one new thing you can do to cut down your dressing time?
Clean out my closet! I just did this and I might need a second round in a few weeks. There
were too many items that I didn't wear clouding my view.

So it's Friday, at last! How much snow do you have where you live, if any? We only have a measly 3-4 inches here just north of Chicago. Any fun weekend plans out there?

wool shorts and 7 random things

2011-01-12T23:38:00.000-06:00

Right before the 30 for 30 challenge started [and by "right before," I mean I was shopping online the night before I wore my first outfit], I bought some Gap wool shorts on Ebay. I had tried these on last season at the Gap, but they didn't have my size at the store...but Ebay did this fall! I quickly snapped them up, but that meant I couldn't wear them for a while. The first day after I was done with the challenge, I pulled these out and put together a fairly simple outfit.

black boots: DSW

black leggings: Target

wool shorts: Gap, via Ebay

black cowlneck sweater: Gap (2005)

necklace: gift

Soon after I tried to style them with some color.

brown boots: Naturalizer

gray [polkadot] socks: Gap

wool shorts: Gap, via Ebay

red-orange shirt: NY&Co

scarf: Old Navy

red tights, layered under maroon tights: We Love Colors

You'll probably be seeing these shorts a lot. They're my new favorite item and I'm constantly trying to think up new ways to style them.

A while back, Beth Ellen tagged me in "7 random things" and I'm finally getting around to it.

(1) I'm an only child and since I can remember I was begging my parents for a brother or sister. They would ask me what I wanted for Christmas or my birthday and I would reply, "a brother or sister," to which they replied, "um, what else." pppffffft, who says only children always get everything they want.

(2) I very strongly prefer odd numbers. very very very strongly. My alarm clock is set for 7:01, when the TV volume has numbers I will only stop on the odd numbers, I'll do odd number of minutes on gym machines (when I used to go), etc.

(3) I double majored in chemistry and linguistics in college. Well, since there was technically no linguistics major, it was through the "bachelor of philosophy" program which was for students to design their own major. But literally 14/15 students in this program were "designing" a linguistics major.

(4) Both my parents are Latin teachers. They did not speak Latin at the dinner table at home. They did talk about Latin grammar most evenings and I grew up hearing the phrases, "passive periphrastic" and "ablative absolute." Yes, I took Latin throughout high school and I did well. It was in my genes.

(5) I used to rock climb with my dad a lot. I was pretty damn good in my pre-teen years and really enjoyed it.

(6) I get way too emotionally attached to TV characters, more so than movie characters. I can't watch the episode where Zack and Kelly break up at the costume dance. It's too painful. seriously.

(7) I eat pretty much anything and everything and I struggle to name food items that I actually dislike. Sometimes I wish I were a little pickier or at least more selective because I will eat it ALL.

Alright, now it's your turn! I love reading these so if you're reading this, tell me 7 random things (or post it)!

2011 Goals

2011-01-11T10:36:00.000-06:00

1.11.11

Sounds like a perfect day to think about goals for this year.

Health

1. Exercise. Do anything. Join a gym and go twice a week. Continue to walk to/from school daily. Get some cardio exercises done.

This will probably be one of the toughest things - I hate exercising. I used to be obsessed (6-7 years ago) and have negative associations with it. I used to exercise to lose weight (and I did). But whenever I try to go again, I get really anxious and remember how unhappy and stressed I was when I was exercising a lot. See, this is where it gets weird - on paper, I was super healthy. I weighed what I "should", I did cardio regularly, I lifted weights, I did Pilates, I ate healthy. But healthy on paper does not equate to healthy in life for me. I fell off the exercise wagon. Everytime I started to try to get back on, I got really stressed. This continued for about 5 years.

It's been a year and a half since I've exercised [beyond walking to school] at all and I think I'm finally ready. I need to exercise for my health and not necessarily to lose weight. I'm hoping that will be the difference. So if i make it to the gym twice a week, or do any exercise twice a week at all, that will be a huge step for me.

2. Eat more fruits and vegetables. Frozen pizza for dinner? Cook up vegetables to go alone with it. Macaroni and cheese? Mix it with a bag of frozen vegetables. It's the little things.

Career and Job

3. Find one.

Home Life

4. Clean apartment more regularly. This includes dishes, laundry, dusting, vacuuming.

5. Clean out my closet and get rid of things I don't wear or that I've been waiting to lose a few pounds for. The 30x30 made me realize I have too many clothes that I don't wear.

6. Buy clothing items I really love, not only because they're on sale.

7. Blog outfits that are interesting. Blog outfits where I tried something new. Comment more on blogs. Read new ones. Explore the wonderful blogosphere.

I think that's about it for now. Any of these similar to yours?

Random: an outfit I wore to a wedding back in November.

I found this and thought I'd just tack it on :-)

black heels: Banana Republic, 2007

fishnet tights: Target

dress: ModCloth

necklace: Forever 21

bracelets: gifts

black cropped cardigan (not shown): Banana Republic, 2008

2010 in Review

2011-01-08T14:03:00.000-06:00

Thank you all for your sweet and thoughtful words on my last post. It really helped me to write about my grandma and I have so many wonderful memories.

I'm a little late on 2010 in review, but I wanted to post something anyways. 2010 was a busy year! Here are some notes month-by-month and my favorite outfits of the year.

In January, I started this blog a little unclear on my goals for it. I started posted very basic outfits, but it was an improvement because I began to dress nicer on a daily basis. I started thinking about defending my dissertation and began thinking about jobs.

In February, I tried to start taking more style chances and had some successes (and of course some un-successes that I won't post again). I started wearing belts to define my mid-section and tried some new layering techniques.

In March, I went to a conference in San Francisco, interviewed for a couple jobs, and I managed to schedule my defense with those elusive creatures, often known as committee members. I was pretty happy.

...and tried some new color combinations for me.

April brought nicer weather to the area, lots of thesis defenses of friends, a lot of writing, and a few nervous breakdowns.

In May, I defended my Ph.D. dissertation, becoming Dr. B! I celebrated and then got back to work figuring that I should probably decide what to do with my life.

In June, I traveled for a job interview, went to a conference, and realized I still didn't know what I wanted to do for a career.

In July, Mike celebrated his birthday, defended his dissertation, and got a job in the Chicago-area. I also celebrated my birthday and excitedly entered my late-twenties. Although Mike is 2 years older, he claims he's still in his early twenties.

In August, I visited family on the east coast, started a post-doc at my same lab, and then thought again, "what do I want to do with my life?"

In September, I got a tripod and set up some photo shoots for myself. I also thought about going into nursing.

...then I realized I wasn't ready for more school.

October brought apple picking and some pumpkins. I joined twitter, thought more about the academic route, and failed miserably at my own self-imposed shopping ban.

In November, I went jeans-free for 21 days when I realized I was way too dependent on that clothing item. I also joined Kendi's "30 for 30 challenge." I visited family for Thanksgiving and started eating non-stop and continued for the rest of the year.

In December, I successfully completed the 30 for 30 challenge and realized I have way too many clothes. I started to think I should clean out my closet and only keep things I love and/or wear. Mike and I celebrated a lovely anniversary together and I fell in love all over again with him...and sequins. I had wonderful Christmas with my family and helped clean up after a big winter snowfall on the East Coast. I spent some of my grandma's last days with her and I painted her nails and put make-up on her, at her request.

I spent the last of 2010 with Mike and his family playing with his nieces and nephew. We colored...a lot. I smiled when I saw the little ones climb all over their "Uncle Mike." When sad news came early New Year's Day, I had a little 6 month old giggling and making growling noises at me. You can't help but smile. Although Mike's 6-year old niece didn't even know what happened, she had drawn a picture with a big heart just for me. I am so thankful for those little ones.

Overall, 2010 was a good year. I still don't know what the hell I want to do with my life, but I think I'm getting closer. I am thankful for my family and friends and this blogging community. Here's to a good 2011.

Cheers!

Goodnight, Irene, I'll see you in my dreams

2011-01-03T22:47:00.000-06:00

Thanksgiving 2010

After a lovely Christmas together, my grandma Irene passed away peacefully in her sleep early New Year's Day. She had been up and down for so long now (~13 years) and she's finally at peace and making God laugh with all her jokes that she loved to tell. I have so many fun memories that I'm laughing and crying at the same time. From her always wanting a rose tattoo on her thumb so she could go around giving people a fun "thumbs up" to talking about the "mell of a hess" of my bedroom or the "whole famn damily." To teaching me to sing "Goodnight, sweetheart well it's time to go, da doo do da doo do da dom" when saying goodnight to my parents and to wiggle my fanny during the da do part when I was little. She was a tough cookie. She was spunky. We love her and will miss her. We think she would have liked that she passed on 1/1/11 and would get a kick out of that.

Christmas 2009

with my cousins, Thanksgiving 2004

Christmas 2010

"If I get a skirt like yours [silver sequined] and wear it with my new red shoes, I'll be the cat's meow!" ~Grandma "I", 7/9/24-1/1/11

"Goodnight Irene, goodnight, Irene, I'll see you in my dreams."

I sound like a deep-voiced frog with laryngitis

2010-12-21T18:45:00.000-06:00

jeans: Express

brown boots: London Fog

blue/white striped shirt: Target

brown sweater: Kohl's

necklace: LOFT

gold mini hoop earrings: Piercing Pagoda

where: errands, school

Wow, this last week has been all sorts of crazy! This time of year is usually busy with the holidays, but random stuff just kept on piling on. Last week I learned I had to write a research proposal for a grant our lab is applying for...and it's due this week (just finished)! I generally prefer more than a week to put a research proposal together. There was just not enough time to do the thorough lit search I wanted to do. But I gave it my best and at the end of the day, my advisor was happy with it. He understood that there wasn't too much time and he just thought it was worth a shot to apply for it. (It was a small internally-funded grant)

Of course then I got a hellish cough and cold at the end of the week. I'm finally feeling better but I sound like a deep-voiced frog with laryngitis. ribbit ribbit. [just now I ribbited out loud. seriously, I sound more like a frog than most frogs do. you know, those big bullfrogs that hang out at the pond.]

Anyways, this was the first outfit in a few days that I felt was photographable and somewhat interesting. I rolled up my jeans over my snow boots for a "winter-capri" look. I started seeing it on bloggers last winter and quickly adapted it because I liked the look and it just made sense. My jeans don't get wet in the snow and it shows off the boots. [It also doesn't require me to have clean skinny jeans.] I layered the brown sweater over blue stripes and I was ready to go.

ribbit ribbit

Holiday Party Style

2010-12-16T21:01:00.000-06:00

Outfit 1: Company holiday party

sparkle tights: Target, fall 2009

gray shoes: Easy Spirit, summer 2009

bracelets: Express

dress: ModCloth, last winter on sale

where: Mike's work office holiday party

Outfit 2: My lab group holiday party

gray boots: Madden Girl, last winter (boots weren't worn inside, I had Penn State Christmas socks on)

jeggings (!!!): H&M

green sweater tunic: Kohl's, 2009

necklace: Limited, 2008

bracelets: Express and gifts

where: my lab group's holiday party

Here are two different holiday party outfits, for two different types of parties. I love holiday parties, they're my favorite - I love to eat and get dressed up. I love sparkles, colors, and sequins. I think it's fun to meet a coworker's significant others and to meet Mike's coworkers. I love seeing my labmates' kids and having a little gift exchange.

Mike's company party (Outfit 1) was definitely more formal. He has a real job working for a medium-large sized company and their holiday party was at a hotel/restaurant in the suburbs. I asked for some outfit-direction and he said he was planning on wearing a shirt+tie with either a suit jacket or fancy sweater. (He's been at the job for ~4 months and I haven't met most of his co-workers yet.) Based off that, I chose this pink/purple/navy dress I had purchased on sale at ModCloth last winter. I hadn't had a chance to wear it yet and I thought it would be a good occasion. The style was intentionally a little more conservative (I think, at least) because of the higher neckline, the short sleeves, and a relatively-modest length. But I thought the colors and stripes on the dress, paired with sparkle tights added some fun for the holidays.

My lab group's party (Outfit 2) was a casual affair: it was potluck-style at my advisor's house, kids were invited, and we had a fun $5 gift exchange. (I ended up with an LED mini flashlight to attach to my keys, very awesome!!!) I wanted something comfortable (thus the jeggings*) and fun, yet appropriate. I didn't want to be too dressed up because some people were going to the party directly from lab. Also, I went for sleeveless because I often get way too warm at holiday parties - it's cold out, the heat is on, and there are so many people!

So, two different outfits for two very different holiday parties! I'd love to see some of your holiday outfits - so send me a link or describe your favorite in the comments :-)

How do you choose what to wear? Do you get nervous when dressing up for a new group of people? What's your favorite thing about holiday parties?

*I'm in love with jeggings. Especially those with an elastic waist band. They're my new favorite thing.

Sparkles for Dinner

2010-12-15T10:53:00.001-06:00

slate blue sweater tights: Gap, fall 2009

gray wedges: Easy Spirit, summer 2009

sparkle skirt: Gap, fall 2010

white shirt: Ann Taylor LOFT, fall 2010

pearl bracelet: gift from my mom

topaz/pearl bracelet: gift from Mike

necklace: Windsor

where: out for a nice dinner with Mike

After the 30 for 30 was over, I quickly went out shopping because I was craving a few sparkles in my wardrobe. I picked up this sparkle skirt and white shirt. The white shirt has several layers of white and off white material across the front - it's simple, but very lovely. Mike and I went out to dinner to celebrate 3 years together since we restarted dating. I was super excited to get dressed up and we had a lovely dinner and evening. And I got lots of compliments on the sparkles :-)

30 for 30 Roundup: Part 2

2010-12-10T11:51:00.000-06:00

Here is the tally for each item worn for the 30 for 30 Challenge!

blue/white striped tee 4

yellow sweater 2

white tee 3

white tank 6

gray sweater 6

gray/yellow striped shirt 2

red sweater 2

turquoise sweater 5

love your city 4

black shirt 4

plaid shirt 2

black cardigan 3

cream hoodie 5

cord blazer 1

cream top 2

state tee 3

lace skirt 4

black skirt 2

gray skirt 3

green cords 2

black pants 3

light jeans 4

denim dress 2

dark jeans 6

turquoise dress 2

silver flats 4

bronze flats 4

black flats 3

black boots 4

brown boots 15

And 1st place goes to my Naturalizer brown boots, which I wore 15 times! Last place goes to my cord blazer, which I wore once. There is a 3-way tie for second place: dark skinny jeans, gray sweater, and the white tank, each of which was worn 6 times. Honorable mention goes to my turquoise sweater and my cream sweater hoodie, each of which were worn 5 times.

Here are my favorite outfits:

#22 #28

#30

30 for 30 Roundup: Part 1

2010-12-09T16:28:00.000-06:00

Here is a round up of all 30 outfits!

1-6

7-12

13-18

19-24

25-30

Final Stretch: 25-30

2010-12-09T16:26:00.000-06:00

25,26,27

28,29,30

Which is your favorite?

AND...I'm done, #30!

2010-12-08T22:31:00.000-06:00

Outfit 30!!!

2. brown boots: Naturalizer, fall 2009

9. cream lace skirt: Target, fall 2010

20. blue/white striped tee: Target, spring 2010

29. turquoise cardigan: Target, winter 2010

accessories

belt: H&M, spring 2010

gray leggings [under tights]: Target

blue sweater tights: Gap

where: errands, school, working from home

And I'm done! This is my last outfit of the challenge and I think it was one of my favorites too. I'm happy I did this challenge and most days it wasn't too hard. I think I could go several more days if I had to, but I'm ready to explore the rest of my wardobe. It was a great exercise and made me realize how many outfits I can put together. I made a list of possible outfits when I was picking my 30 for 30 items, but I referred to it only several times and only used about half of those combinations! I'll have a roundup post up later tallying how many times I wore each item.

So here are some outdoor shots I attempted the other day. I realized that once it gets this cold, fewer people are outside as much, so it's easier to take pictures. But I still got squeamish when I spotted someone.

Also, what are some tips for camera settings for outdoor shots? I had everything on the "auto" setting and it was cloudy outside. The white shades (snow, skirt, my face) are too bright and I look washed out. I tried some brightness/contrast adjustment afterwards, but it didn't help too much. So, outdoor photo experts, how can I make my face not match the snow and my skirt? thanks :-)

and then I pricked myself on the tree.

my typical indoor shots: my face does not match my skirt.

29...

2010-12-07T18:35:00.000-06:00

Outfit 29

2. brown boots: Naturalizer, fall 2009

12. skinny jeans: Gap, fall 2010

15. white tank: Gap, spring 2006

24. gray/white checked button down: Old Navy, fall 2010

29. turquoise cardigan: Target, winter 2010

accessories

pink sparkle headband: found it on my dresser in my bedroom at my parents house

(I think it was my mom's from one of her teacher talent shows)

pink tweed belt: Old Navy, came with corduroys, fall 2005

leggings (under jeans for layering): Target

where: school...chilly day

In the winter time, I'm likely to layer leggings under jeans for those particularly chilly days (like, 10-15 degrees and under). It helps on the walk into school. I felt a little equestrian with the plaid shirt tucked in especially with the boots, and I had the shirt untucked for various parts of the day, because I got annoyed having to re-tuck it all the time.

I wore outfit 30 today in real time...post coming later this week. and I even attempted outdoor shots. whoa. get excited.

28/30! so close...

2010-12-06T14:30:00.000-06:00

1. black boots: White Mountain via DSW, fall 2010

10. black corduroy skirt: Old Navy, fall 2010

22. ruffle cream top: NY&Co, summer 2009

30. gray cardigan: LOFT, fall 2010

accessories

necklace: Target, fall 2007

socks: ModCloth

black/white polkadot headband: free gift from ModCloth with purchase

black leggings [for layering, not seen]: Target

brown leggings: Target

where: school on a chilly day

I needed to layer up a bit because it was pretty darn cold this day last week. Two pairs of leggings are quite warm and worked out fantastically. I tried to mix browns and blacks here - enough to make it look intentional. [I'm wearing outfit 29 today in real time and after tomorrow, I will be ready to wear some different clothes!] One thing the 30 for 30 challenge has done is make me REALLY excited to wear the clothing in the rest of my closet. I'm so excited to wear some other things for a while. and to shop a bit. Although I'm sure Wednesday morning I'll be standing in front of my closet wondering what to wear with so many choices!

26-27

2010-12-05T19:35:00.000-06:00

Outfit 26

2. brown boots: Naturalizer, fall 2009

12. skinny jeans: Gap, fall 2010

16. white tee: Gap, fall 2010

25. red cowlneck sweater: Macy's, summer 2006

accessories

striped socks: Gap

leopard print infinity scarf: ModCloth

where: school

Outfit 27

5. black flats: Charlotte Russe, summer 2009

14. skinny jeans: Express, fall 2008

21. black 3/4 sleeve tee: Gap, fall 2007

30. gray cardigan: LOFT, fall 2010

accessories

black belt: Old Navy

necklace: Forever 21

bracelets: gift and Express

where: school

Outfits 13-24

2010-12-05T19:24:00.000-06:00

13,14,15

16,17,18

19,20,21

22,23,24

Wild is the Wind: 25/30

2010-12-02T14:56:00.000-06:00

Outfit 25

2. brown boots: Naturalizer, fall 2009

14. skinny jeans: Express, fall 2008

22. ruffle cream top: NY&Co, summer 2009

29. turquoise cardigan: Target, winter 2010

accessories

red scarf: adopted from my parents' house

wild hair: from the wind.

where: school

I really love a red/turquoise color palette and I think the cream top balanced it out a bit. In the spring, I like pinks and pastels and the fall I was craving neutrals like crazy. Now that the weather is chillier and starting to feel like winter, I'm loving these deep saturated colors. My hair is getting pretty big. I usually don't like it big, but when it gets long enough, I start to embrace the wildness. The wind this day only helped the craziness that is my hair. It's not even too big here - it gets bigger, don't worry :o)

How do your color preferences change with seasons?

And here, "Wild is the Wind" by Bon Jovi -1988, from the New Jersey album (my favorite album)

No video, just the song on youtube. From the 9 concerts of theirs, I've heard this song live once! (2/26/08, United Center Chicago) I love it - definitely one of my all time favorites.

23 is my favorite number

2010-12-01T20:35:00.001-06:00

Outfit 24

and I messed up numbering again. so although 23 is indeed my favorite number, this is outfit 24 :-)

4. silver flats: Me Too via DSW, fall 2010

12. skinny jeans: Gap, fall 2010

15. white tank: Gap, spring 2006

24. gray/white checked button down: Old Navy, fall 2010

accessories

silver hoop earrings:?

where: school

23 is my favorite number. I like 3's, I like odd numbers, and I like prime numbers. 23 fits the bill perfectly. The "2" is bluish-gray in my head and the "3" is pink-reddish. Numbers, letters, and some words are colored in my head. Turns out this is a real thing, "synesthesia." (link goes to an article on CNN.com from a couple weeks ago.)

Are your numbers and letters colored?

23/30

2010-12-01T20:23:00.001-06:00

Outfit 23

4. silver flats: Me Too via DSW, fall 2010

14. skinny jeans: Express, fall 2008

15. white tank: Gap, spring 2006

29. turquoise cardigan: Target, winter 2010

accessories:

silver hoop earrings: ?

scarf: Old Navy

where: to a friend's place to see her new baby!!!

ah, I know outfits may not be as interesting when jeans are involved, but I love the simplicity that jeans bring. I love a cardigan, jeans, and a scarf.

Two for Tuesday: Saturday wear

2010-11-30T07:29:00.000-06:00

I wore both these outfits this past Saturday, during the day (#21) and out at night (#22).

Outfit 21

1. black boots: White Mountain via DSW, fall 2010

17. "Love Your City" tee: Gap, fall 2010

30. gray cardigan: LOFT, fall 2010

accessories:

layered leggings (two pairs): Target, fall 2010

pink/brown scarf: Old Navy, winter 2009/2010

where:

running a few errands on Saturday and lounging around

notes: the pictures here are a little small because there isn't much to see...still, it counts as an outfit because I wore it out of the house.

Outfit 22

2. brown boots: Naturalizer, fall 2009

9. cream lace skirt: Target, fall 2010

15. white tank: Gap, spring 2006

23. mustard sweater: ModCloth, fall 2010

accessories

gold flower ring: World Market, fall 2010

gold mini hoop earrings: Piercing Pagoda, 2003-2004

tights [mocha]: We Love Colors, fall 2010

where:

out on a Saturday night with friends in Andersonville

notes: I've been wearing this cream lace skirt with a white slip. It helps it flow better over the tights but also makes it less transparent. But sometimes it slips a little so it's a little more visible than I prefer. But I've only been wearing it out in social [non-work] situations, so I've been okay with that.

I wanted this to look sort of "mod" where the yellow top took center stage with boots and tights. The lace skirt added length, but also acted more like a trim to the yellow tunic. Also, I know it's short! I hiked up the skirt to get the look I wanted. But again, if you can't wear a short skirt with tights and boots out on a Saturday night, when can you wear it? see, I think it's allllright :-)

Outfit 20/30: 30 for 30

2010-11-29T11:24:00.000-06:00

2. brown boots: Naturalizer, fall 2009

5. black flats: Charlotte Russe, summer 2009 (not shown, worn for parts of the day)

14. skinny jeans: Express, fall 2008

21. black 3/4 sleeve tee: Gap, fall 2007

accessories

red scarf: adopted from my mom, Thanksgiving 2010

leopard print scarf: ModCloth, fall 2010

gold earrings: Piercing Pagoda, 2003/2004

where:

out shopping* on black Friday, then traveling on a plane back home to Chicago-land.

notes: I wore black flats out shopping that day and changed into boots to fly (to save room in my luggage).

See how happy I am? That's because (1) I'm wearing jeans and (2) I'm no longer on the plane.

*yes, I went shopping during the 30 for 30. I have a good excuse. One of my mom's and my favorite things to do is go shopping together, especially on Black Friday. We absolutely love the crowds and the deals at the stores. Since we live ~1000 miles apart, we don't get to go shopping together that often anymore and we hardly ever get a Black Friday together. So since the stars all aligned this year, we went shopping. It was wonderful.

I'm wearing outfit 24 today in real time...6 more outfits to go! I still have lots of outfits up my sleeves, but also excited to wear other things in my closet :-)

17-18-19

2010-11-27T14:21:00.012-06:00

No pictures on this post because I was out of town.*** Still, I'll recap what I wore for these days. It was so easy to pack for the holiday break because I could wear jeans again and just needed a few shirts and sweaters. It shouldn't be too difficult to imagine what these outfits looked like because they were all combos or jeans/shirts.

***update 12/1/2010: I recreated a few outfits and took the pictures. The photos here are recreations of what I wore last week.

Outfit 17

2. brown boots: Naturalizer, fall 2009

14. skinny jeans: Express, fall 2008

16. white tee: Gap, fall 2010

18. [Penn] State gray tee: Family Clothesline, fall 2008

accessories

a scarf my mom knit* - shades of brown, beige, white
*the scarf pictured here is a little different than the one I wore originally -similar though

where: grocery store with my mom

Outfit 18

2. brown boots: Naturalizer, fall 2009

14. skinny jeans: Express, fall 2008

20. blue/white striped tee: Target, spring 2010

27. cream sweater hoodie: Old Navy, summer 2004

accessories

a pink scarf: knit by my mom
sparkle pink headband: found it on my dresser in my room at my parents' house [my mom had worn it for one of the teacher talent shows she and her friends performed in at the school she teaches at]

where: out to lunch with a friend

Outfit 19

3. bronze flats: Dexter (Payless), fall 2010

12. skinny jeans: Gap, fall 2010

19. gray/yellow striped tee: Gap, fall 2010
27. cream sweater hoodie: Old Navy, summer 2004

accessories

layered pearl necklace (seen here)

gold mini hoop earrings

family stone ring: gift
where: to my grandparents for Thanksgiving day

I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving and a relaxing day with family and/or friends here in the US. For everyone else, I hope you had a great week too :o)

16/30

2010-11-23T12:57:00.000-06:00

2. brown boots: Naturalizer, fall 2009

11. black pants: Gap, fall 2010

17. "Love Your City" tee: Gap, fall 2010

27. cream sweater hoodie: Old Navy, summer 2004

accessories:

leopard print infinity scarf: ModCloth

jewelry (not shown here, last minute addition): necklace and ring seen here

big hair: courtesy of genetics and balmy thunderstorm weather

where: traveling to see family for Thanksgiving on a plane through thunderstorms.

Anyone who knows me in "real life" knows that I hate hate hate to fly. I realize it's an irrational fear and that I shouldn't be afraid. I know the difference between possibility and probability. I know I have a larger chance of being in an accident on the way to the airport than on the plane. Still, I hate it. Taking off and flying through thunderstorms makes me even more anxious. But the plane landed safely, whew.

Anyways, this is what I wore to fly. It's admittedly almost exactly the same outfit as what I wore this past weekend, just exchanging in black pants for the leggings. I think it was Chelsea who said that if animals can mix brown and black [like leopards], why can't we? I would have shuddered at the thought of wearing brown boots with black pants in the past, but I went for the rebellious pairing. Just like a leopard. A leopard terrified of flying.

However, as of today, 11-23, I'm wearing jeans again! I'm pretty excited and they feel awesome. yay. Soon I'll try to do a jeans-free round up post. I hope everyone is having a great week. Safe travels to all traveling about this week!

Any others out there terrified of flying? Other fears?

I'm also terrified of tiny mammals. but that has nothing to do with my fear of flying.

Outfits 7-12

2010-11-22T09:35:00.001-06:00

Outfits 7-12

7,8,9

10,11,12

Which is your favorite here?

13-14-15/thirty: Halfway there!

2010-11-21T15:22:00.000-06:00

this is going to be a photo-heavy post here because I have three outfits...and a video at the end.

Outfit 13

with a gray sweater (left) and trying to take it off gracefully (right)

3. bronze flats: Dexter (Payless), fall 2010

11. black pants: Gap, fall 2010

23. mustard sweater: ModCloth, fall 2010

30. gray cardigan: LOFT, fall 2010

accessories:

black earrings: gift

where: school for symposium on "alternative careers in chemistry" and a casual networking event on campus (casual meaning most people wore jeans).

notes: I know some people strongly dislike bright colors with black pants, but I actually like it. To me it's simple and classic, and I like the sweater tunic with the skinny black pants. I tried to tie in some black on top with my earrings.

Outfit 14

1. black boots: White Mountain via DSW, fall 2010

6. denim dress: Target, summer 2010

15. white tank: Gap, spring 2006

28. black ruffle cardigan: LOFT, Christmas 2008

accessories:

blue sparkle tights: American Eagle Outfitters (a year or so ago)

turquoise glass star necklace: Epcot, summer 2009

slate bead bracelets: Express

where: errands on a Saturday then out to see Harry Potter

notes: It's days like these when I really just want to wear jeans for errands on the weekend. almost! Jeans to come on Nov 23!!!

Outfit 15

2. brown boots: Naturalizer, fall 2009

17. "Love Your City" tee: Gap, fall 2010

27. cream sweater hoodie: Old Navy, summer 2004

accessories:

leggings: Target, fall 2010

necklace: Target, fall 2007

where: errands on the weekend

Ok, today I did not want to wear any pants or skirt or dress of any sort. I wanted to wear jeans or leggings. Still being jeans-free, I went with leggings, (which Kendi does say are accessories.) But I feel like I'm cheating a bit because my accessories are serving as pants. The way I see it, however, is either I wear no pants and am half-naked, or I wear leggings. Leggings it is. See how happy I am in leggings?

Happy as a clam.*

*I assume clams are happy creatures since that saying was created about them. I've never met a happy clam. The only clams I've encountered are ready to eat. I suppose those clams aren't happy. but they are delicious.

And, finally, if you've made it this far, I have a present for you. Wearing my 15th outfit, I'm halfway there...

so of course I have a Bon Jovi video. I love it when J.B.J flies out over the audience.

12/thirty: da Bears

2010-11-20T09:55:00.001-06:00

2. brown boots: Naturalizer, fall 2009

9. cream lace skirt: Target, fall 2010

18. [Penn] State gray tee: Family Clothesline, fall 2008

30. gray cardigan: LOFT, fall 2010

accessories:

rust tights: We Love Colors, fall 2010

gray socks: Gap, fall 2010

where: out to a bar on Thursday night to watch the Bears beat the Dolphins!

so I don't have any Bears gear actually (I know, sad.) But I DO have these rust-colored tights from We Love Colors. Paired with a [Penn State] gray/blue tee, I think I was showing some good Chicago spirit. And they won! It was a fun night. The bar we were at was handing out a raffle ticket with every beer purchased during the game for a chance to win a Julius Peppers jersey. Our table racked up some good chances to win, but alas, we did not. It was still a great time!

p.s. Has We Love Colors changed the sizing on their tights? The pairs I have from this fall fit much better than the pairs I have from last winter.

eleven/30

2010-11-19T15:10:00.001-06:00

Outfit 11

2. brown boots: Naturalizer, fall 2009

8. gray skirt: Old Navy, winter 2009/2010

20. blue/white striped tee: Target, spring 2010

accessories

floral scarf: World Market, fall 2010

gray socks: Gap, fall 2010

gold hoop earrings: Piercing Pagoda, State College 2003-2004ish

dark green tights: Gap, fall 2010

brown belt with "family stone" buckle: made by my grandpa

brown bead bracelets: ?

where: school then tutoring

It's finally getting chilly here and I love it. I tried a little bit of pattern mixing with the floral scarf and striped top to add some interest to the outfit. The scarf is an odd size and length so this was the best I came up with that day. The green tights I thought added a bit of dimension. although it's hard to see the color really well here - I guess that's why outdoor photos are better. I agree, but I haven't done any for several reasons. (1) I'm too shy to take outfit photos in public and anywhere outside my apartment or a park is too exposed for me, (2) I don't like the way my face photographs outdoors - I usually look very lumpy and blotchy and shadowy, and that's not a look I like on myself, (3) I was thinking about the outdoor stairwell to my place, but it's in the shadows and my neighbor is out there 90% of the time smoking anyways. I was thinking about a more interesting place in my apartment for photos, but this is really the best place. Is it boring to have a white doorframe background? I sort of like the way it frames the photos, but I guess it is a little non-exciting.

Well, maybe I'll try outdoor photos when I get a yard, get the courage to pose outside, or find a way around my lumpy shadowy outdoor face.

any exciting plans out there this weekend? I'm going to read up on other remixers and I hope to see Harry Potter :-)

30 for 30: 9&10

2010-11-17T19:26:00.001-06:00

update: apparently I can't count...these are actually outfits 9 and 10, not 8 and 9 :-)

Outfit 9

(running to catch the camera timer!)

1. black boots: White Mountain via DSW, fall 2010

8. gray skirt: Old Navy, winter 2009/2010

21. black 3/4 sleeve tee: Gap, fall 2007

accessories:

necklace: gift, Christmas 2009

slate bead bracelets (not shown): Express probably, several years ago

white fake-pearl bracelet: gift

black infinity scarf: DSW, fall 2010

black tights: Gap, fall 2010

where: school

I originally had a cowl-neck black sweater in my mix, but exchanged it out for this black tee instead when I realized a black infinity scarf added to the tee could give the appearance of a cowl-neck. I tried to add a few other accessories to lighten it up a bit. But sometimes I just feel like wearing black.

Outfit 10

2. brown boots: Naturalizer, fall 2009

7. turquoise flowered dress: ModCloth, spring 2010

29. turquoise cardigan: Target, winter 2010

accessories:

brown socks: Modcloth, fall 2010

brown sweater footless tights: hand-me-down

red flower necklace: Modcloth, last winter (2010)

gold mini-hoop earrings: Piercing Pagoda, 2003ish

where: to school

I originally had this paired with my cream sweater hoodie, but the contrast in colors was too much for the outfit. On a whim, I threw on the turquoise cardigan expecting to hate it because it was too much matching. But surprisingly, I liked it and I think it provided some continuity for the dress. I really liked the warm mix of browns and turquoises here - very autumnal.

And I think I still have 5 unworn items from my 30 so far...(2 pairs of jeans, yellow sweater, plaid shirt, cream shirt).

I'm failing miserably at reading all of the other remixers for this challenge. This weekend should be better though and I can catch up.

30 for 30 Challenge: Outfits 1-6

2010-11-16T17:12:00.000-06:00

Here are my first 6 outfits!

1,2,3

4,5,6

Which is your favorite?

And my 30 item picks for this challenge can be found here.

Two for Tuesday: outfits 7 and 8

2010-11-16T08:18:00.000-06:00

Outfit 7

3. bronze flats: Dexter (Payless), fall 2010

7. turquoise flowered dress: ModCloth, spring 2010

28. black ruffle cardigan: LOFT, Christmas 2008

accessories:

black leggings: Target, fall 2009

(Kendi says leggings are accessories, so I'm going with it.)

black belt: Old Navy, fall 2009

where: out shopping for baby clothes for a coworker/friend's new little baby girl this past weekend.

On one hand, it would have been so easy to throw on jeans. On the other hand, it was almost easier to thrown on this dress with some leggings and a sweater for some shopping. This dress is a little short, so tights or leggings are best. Since it's also low cut, I tend ot reserve this dress for weekend wear. But I think I can layer some tanks underneath or a shirt over it for school wear.

Outfit 8

4. silver flats: Me Too via DSW, fall 2010

16. white tee: Gap, fall 2010

18. [Penn] State gray tee: Family Clothesline, fall 2008

13. olive cords: J.Crew, fall 2007

accessories:

patterned scarf: Old Navy, fall 2009

where: school Monday after PSU lost [really badly] to Ohio State.

Whenever my team loses the most recent football game over the weekend, I like to wear some sort of t-shirt supporting them. I think it's important to support your team and show your spirit especially when they lose. I'm no bandwagon fan.

30 for 30 items

awesome remixers

(Still jeans-free!)

Monday Night Fun: Bon Jovi video

2010-11-15T20:10:00.000-06:00

As a follow up to today's post, I thought I'd post a fun video for tonight's evening entertainment. Here is the music video for Bon Jovi's first single, "Runaway." Check out the hair!

Outfit 6/30: "oooh, she's a little runaway..."

2010-11-15T08:11:00.001-06:00

Outfit 6

20% complete with the 30 for 30 challenge!

(I did that math correct, right?)

5. black flats: Charlotte Russe, summer 2009

10. black corduroy skirt: Old Navy, fall 2010

21. black 3/4 sleeve tee: Gap, fall 2007

accessories

red tights: We Love Colors (last winter)

Bon Jovi scarf: Bon Jovi concert (this summer)

rings: ModCloth (spring 2010)

where: school/lab office

I was pretty excited to wear my red tights. I had trouble styling them last year, but I really think they work best with simple black/white. As for the black shirt and black skirt, I tried to style the separates so it had the appearance of a dress from afar. With the Bon Jovi scarf, I was totally sporting some rocker style :-)

update: I was totallying channeling Rebecca of MinnChic when she sported this ensemble several weeks ago! I loved the black/white with red.

If you've been reading for a while, you know I'm sort of obsessed with Bon Jovi (from trying to see them at a basketball game to one of the top five moments of my life ever). I posted about this scarf last winter in one of my earliest blog posts and was excited to pick one up at the my 9th Bon Jovi concert this summer. You can see in the pics below the Bon Jovi lyrics on the scarf.

singing some Bon Jovi here.

what, you don't like my singing? yeah, it's not great, but I've got heart :-)

How is your remixing going? I'm finding it more and more challenging not to wear jeans, but I think it's good for me. Don't forget to check out all the other remixers!

***title from "Runaway", Bon Jovi's first single, which became a hit right around the time I was born.

5/30:

2010-11-14T12:22:00.000-06:00

2. brown boots: Naturalizer, fall 2009

9. cream lace skirt: Target, fall 2010

15. white tank: Gap, spring 2006

25. red cowlneck sweater: Macy's, summer 2006

26. olive corduroy jacket: H&M, fall 2008

accessories

socks: Modcloth

brown bead earrings: Forever 21

gold flower ring: World Market

where: out for dinner and drinks with friends on a Thursday night

Most days when I get home from work I change into leggings or sweats because I won't leave my apartment. But last Thursday, I went out for dinner and drinks with some friends. I didn't have to change from the outfit I wore to school that day, but I wanted a chance to wear something more fun. I jumped on the bandwagon several weeks ago and purchased this lace skirt at Target ($4.24!!!). I feel more comfortable not wearing this skirt to work without tights, so this was the perfect opportunity to wear it with boots, no tights while the weather was still a little warmer. This was one of the outfits I cooked up while picking my 30 items for this challenge. And of course, I'm still jeans-free until 11-23 (just a little while longer!!!)

How is everyone's weekend? I'm catching up with some schoolwork and reading some blogs, especially the 30x30 participants. And we have a quarter-final flag football game this afternoon!