Outfit log: Bouncy

Oh, how I glided through the day in this ensemble! Actually, scratch that, I bounced around because that's more suiting of the flavor of this look.

Occasion: Workin' it, February 3rd

Outfit details:
tunic - h&m
sweater - free from swap
necklace - gifted f21
pants - gap
moccasins - minnetonka

This is my version of androgynous dressing, which isn't really at all androgynous, but involves pants and plaid so there are go. My only qualm with the look was the fact that the ruffly bits on the top of the tunic showed through the sweater, making my chest appear a bit lumpy! However, a little lumpiness was totally worth the rest of the outfit, definitely.

Makeup details:
clinique all about eyes concealer
smashbox photofinish primer
clinique almost makeup mineral powder
nars blush in orgasm
urban decay naked palette eye shadows in sin and buck
cat eye with mac fluidline in blacktrack

Something about the cropped slim fitting pants made me feel kinda '50s in this look, so I did a thick cat eye liner, topped with a high ponytail.

Outfit log: Laundry + Layering Experiment

I'm feeling mighty proud of myself this morning. You see, yesterday all day I was anticipating doing my much overdue laundry, only to lose all motivation by about 6pm. Somehow, though, even after putting on my PJs and settling in to watch Battlestar Galactica... something clicked and I knew what had to be done.

Occasion: Workin' it, February 1st

Outfit details:
necklace - gift
elbow length tee - old navy
leggings - c/o hue
boots - born "sage"
sweater dress - thrifted by mom

Four loads of laundry later and I feel so much better. The weight of those dirty clothes on my shoulders was more than I knew until it was gone! Getting dressed this morning was a breeze, while last week each morning was a frustrating struggle.

Perhaps this all comes off as a little dramatic, however I think it's just an example of how being proactive and taking care of business makes me feel less stressed, more joyful and just lighter, in all areas. Gotta remind myself of that often, peeps!

Regarding the outfit above, I had been struggling with styling this gorgeous sweater dress my mom gave me over the holidays, that she of course thrifted. Putting the lime green tee underneath was one of those "this might look ridiculous, but just in case I'll try!" experiments, which worked out fantastically combined with the necklace. I was warm and comfortable and those are my favorite things to be.

Hope your week is getting off to a great (and productive) start!

Outfit log: Reverse Mullet

Happy Friday, y'all! After my crazy 6 day weekend last week (3 of which were spent in bed sick), this shorter work week has felt pretty brutal! More than likely due to the fact that I continue to not get enough sleep. There's just too much fun to be had! But, I'm excited that I'll be staying put this weekend so I can catch up on responsible adulty stuff... like sleeping in as late as possible (okay, that doesn't count as adulty, but it's gonna be awesome), getting my laundry done, grocery shopping, and cat supply shopping. I hope your weekend plans are equally thrilling :)

Anyway, onto the outfit below. I'd been a little wary of these open cardigan things, just because I wasn't sure I dug the asymmetry between front and back.

Occasion: Workin' it, January 31st

Outfit details:
dress - thrifted bcbg
cardigan - handed down target
belt - free from swap
boots - madeline
tights - assets

But then this sweater was free at a swap so I couldn't NOT try it out, ya know? And I liked it! I mean, overall this outfit is a little too dark I think, but I like the proportions and the peplum effect in the back.

Have a great weekend, and see ya on the flip side!

Outfit log: Black, White, & Red

You just can't go wrong with black, white and red.

Occasion: Workin' it, January 30th

Outfit details:
striped shirt - thrifted
belt - h&m
skirt - gap
necklace - antique fair
boots - madeline

I'm a little undercaffeinated, so don't have too much to say today other than:

• The weather today is GORGEOUS, and I think I'll take a stroll through Golden Gate Park during my lunch break. 
• I'm not feeling this work week... too much to catch up on and not enough sleep. Next week will be back to normal though, so there's that!
• Yosemite this weekend with Gabs was so amazing! With no cell service or internet we were completely cut off from the world... which was a bit tougher than I'd like to admit but also pretty damn restorative! Pictures to come... of Gabs and I being bad asses hiking in the snow. What what!

Makeup details:
smashbox face primer
clinique all about eyes concealer and almost makeup pressed mineral powder
nars blush in orgasm
lorac starry eyed baked eye shadow trio in evening star
mac eye shadow in graphology as liner
maybelline great lash mascara in blackest black

Outfit log: The Other LOL

Happy Friday, y'all! And for those of us stateside, hell yeah to the three day weekend. They're the best. No doubt about it. Actually, best would be 3 day work weeks and 4 day weekends. Who's with me?

I'm posting a bit later in the day than usual since I've been laid up in bed with strep throat for the last few days. Yeah, ew! But, I'm kinda happy it's a bacterial thang, since these antibiotics are doing wonders. Feeling much more perky already.

Anyhoo... some of you may have noticed a slight change in the ole mane in my EBEW/Valentine's day post. And you were right! When I went back to the highlights route after trying out auburn and brunette, I knew the next time I saw Aurora I'd go a little further. And I'm loving it! I find highlights actually grow out pretty well on my hair, which is handy since I only see my stylist every 5-6 months or so. These photos are from the day I got my hair done, as you can see by the awesome level of flounce I've got going on thanks to Aurora's superb blow drying skills.

Occasion: Drinks with a mate, Sunday January 29th

Outfit details:
cardigan - jcrew outlet
tunic - anthro, clearance
jeggings - gap, clearance
necklace - cost plus
flats - rocket dog via dsw

In addition to talking at length about my hair, I also wanted to point you to this fabulous post from my buddy Sal at Already Pretty, all about the "long over lean" look (or, LOL if you're me). I hadn't really thought about it, but I am SUCH a long over lean gal. It's so comfortable and cute, and incorporates pants, yet in a more skirt/dress like way. It's my go to weekend look, for sure.

Do you practice LOL?

Outfit log: Creative Edge

My friend Ramona is my online discount shopping guru. A few months ago she alerted me to this glorious wrap dress that was on sale one Old Navy's website for $17.50. And then she ordered it in her size and mine, and hand delivered it to me. I'm spoiled in the friend department, peeps. I know this. And I've got mad appreciation.

Occasion: Happy Hour, Friday January 27th

Outfit details:
otk socks - target
wrap dress - old navy, clearance
necklace - cost plus
boots - born "sage"

Anyway, I'm not sure how this outfit came about, but I love it! And may have worn it multiple times since. I love how it's got the classic wrap dress deal going on, but is a bit funkified (not to mention warmified!) by the OTK socks and boots. And the socks and necklace are total buddies.

Makeup details:
shadow - urban decay "naked" palette in sin & buck
eye liner - mac shadow in espresso
mascara - maybelline greatlash in blackest black
blush - nars in orgasm (the best)
base - clinique mineral powder and concealer

I used my day-to-night makeup trick, because who wants to start the whole routine over after a long day of work? The trick is simple, and probably obvious... but I just swept on a fresh layer of mineral powder and blush, and enhanced the eye makeup I already had on, plus an extra coat of mascara. For reference, you can check out my "before" look in Monday's post. Yeah, it looks almost identical in these photos, but it's refreshed, I tell you!

I hope your Valentine's day was swell. Immediately upon getting home from work I changed into PJs, crawled in bed, and snuggled with Chloe... who wasn't sure she wanted to be my Valentine.

Somehow I ended up making my way to a little shindig at the cafe downstairs later in the evening, sans pajamas of course (and, ya know, plus clothes). All in all a pretty damn good day. Yay!

Outfit log: Happy SAD

Happy Singles Awareness Day, friends!

No, but really. I've got so much love in this heart of mine for all of you... so I'm sending it out telepathically today. Can you feel it? Even though it's a Hallmark holiday and blah blah blah, I'll use it as an excuse to share my appreciation for my bomb ass readers and fellow body image warriors (and without spending a dime!). Y'all make my day every day. For real.

Occasion: Workin' it VD style, February 14th

Outfit details:
cardigan - from soul sister's free pile
top - anthropologie
cords - banana republic
boots - clarks "dream regal" via 6pm.com
necklace - gift from dad

Even though I'm single for the first Valentine's in like five years, that doesn't stop me from getting into the groove with some bright and romantic colors. I cheated a bit with the EBEW pink and red challenge, letting the print in this top mix the two effortlessly, but I'm perfectly okay with that.

What you can't tell very well from these face shots, though, is that while my cardigan is a lovely tomato-y red, my lips are bright fuchsia. Does that count as color blocking? Say yes!

Anyway, here's wishing you an evening that's either sextastic with your lovah, nurturing with yourself (okay, and maybe sextastic too!), and/or rambunctious with friends. See ya tomorrow!

Outfit log: Wood Nymph

I picked up this free people tunic/dress at my favorite thrift store recently (less than $5, whaaaat?) and made it my mission to style it for work.

Occasion: Workin' it, Friday January 27th

Outfit details:
cardigan - jcrew outlet
tunic/dress - free people, thrifted
necklace - free from swap
skinny cords - banana republic
boots - born "sage"

This outfit came about after much trial and deliberation, and I scampered around work all day feeling very much like a wood nymph, getting in touch with my inner child who dreamt of becoming a famous country singer, mermaid, or fairy one day. At least I can dress like one!

Makeup details:
shadow - urban decay "naked" palette in sin & buck
eye liner - mac shadow in espresso
mascara - maybelline greatlash in blackest black
blush - nars in orgasm (the best)
base - clinique mineral powder and concealer

I hope you're weekend was lovely, if that's the time you have off from work or school. Mine was... ahhh... divine. I got to sneak out of town with a soul sister of mine and some new and old friends. We made delicious food, soaked in the hot tub whilst star/moon gazing, walked through the local woods/hills/farms, and I got to listen to some amazing music played by my talented comrades. We also got to know some cows who really enjoyed apples and flute music. Does life get any better? I think not. I'm feeling rested and restored for the busy work week ahead, and am looking forward to another getaway next weekend with another soul sister. Life is good.

Outfit log: Tucked or Untucked

I snagged this wool pencil skirt at Out of the Closet recently, and couldn't wait to wear it.

Occasion: Work + Chillin' with Bob, January 26th

Outfit details:
blouse - moth, thrifted
necklace - cost plus
wool pencil skirt - vintage, thrifted
tights - vera wang for kohls
mary janes - dankso "reeny"

My outfit began with my top tucked in since I naturally gravitate towards the high waist tucked in look, but halfway through the day I wondered if I'd feel more comfortable with the top un-tucked as the skirt is a big more snug than my other pencil-y items.

Looking at the photos now I actually prefer the tucked in look, though I can tell the un-tucked version might be considered more "flattering." Go figure.
--
Oh, and in case you were wondering who "Bob" is in my description above... I wore this outfit to attend a book reading/signing with one of my all time favorite detective/crime authors, Robert Crais. We actually go way back to 1996 when 13 year old me sent him a fan letter. To his house. (His daughter went to my school and I found their home address in the school directory.) To which he responded a few months later, commending my detective abilities and warning me against taking them too far and becoming a stalker. Pretty hilarious! 

\

We've met once before at a book signing when I was in college, and I'm pretty sure he still remembers who I am. Also I'm in love with him regardless of the fact that he is much too old for me, and got completely tongue-tied and starstruck when I saw him again. Swoon!

One more thing! My mom is also a long time (okay, longer time) fan of Bob's, and caught up with him the following week at his signing in St. Louis. Pretty sure she's swooning here too :)

Outfit log: Wacky Magic

This is one of those outfits that I thought of in the shower, and wondered if it would be too wacky or perhaps magical. And when I threw it together, I realized it was the latter...

Occasion: Workin' it, January 24th

Outfit details:
cardigan - thrifted (by mom) DvF (!!)
necklace - from antique fair
sunflower "dress" - vintage, stolen from aunt
pants - limited
clogs - dansko

... because I was comfortable, the combo felt just funky enough to make the black pants not feel boring, and the cardigan is thrifted Diane von Furstenberg (my mom is the bomb, and also smaller than me so I get to reap the benefits when her scores are too big... yes, please!).  Also I don't think I've ever worn a cardigan buttoned at the top as such, however I loved how it worked with the high neckline of the sunflower tunic and the bright red necklace layered over.

Hope you're enjoying your Monday so far (and that your weekend rocked). Let's make this week awesome, mmmkay?

Outfit log: Sheathy

Happy Friday! Oooh this week has been a doozy. Been super busy at work, but also productive and on top of shit, so that feels good. Also had to deal with my car being broken into (smashed window, stolen iPod) parked around the corner from my apartment. Annoying and expensive, but what can you do? All that to say, I am ready for the weekend :) I have a great evening planned celebrating the grand opening of the cafe below my apartment with neighbors and friends (and delicious beer and dancing), and then am heading to Santa Cruz to visit some friends I haven't seen in ages. Oh, and the sun is shining! That always makes everything at least a little bit better.

Occasion: Workin' it, January 23rd

Outfit details:
dress - bcbg, thrifted
sweater blazer - iisli via tjmaxx
heart brooch - from antique fair
tights - assets
boots - madeline

Here's the debut of a new-to-me sheath dress I picked up recently at Out of the Closet for like $5. I used to be wary of the sheath, but it's kind of the best layering dress ever. And dressing in the Bay Area is all about the layers. I love the little floral print, and the interesting neckline. Score!

Hope your weekend is stupendous! See you on the flip side :)