Outfit log: Monday

Good Monday, folks! How was your weekend? Mine was fleeting, though quite enjoyable. The conference on Saturday was, as expected, freakin' awesome. I was totally inspired by it, and was happy to be a small part in making it go (mostly) smoothly.

Occasion: Workin' it, April 4th

Sunday was a great day too... brunch with my lovely former colleagues who really are like my local family (love you ladies!), then spent the rest of the afternoon in Oakland driving around with the top down in the sunshine and relaxing with my boo, who later made me a yummy dinner. She's pretty fantastic, just in case you were wondering ;)

Outfit details:
american eagle denim blazer via swap
thrifted skirt (handmade?)
jcrew outlet gray tights
born "bitsy" boots
necklace via antique faire

Today, my ass is dragging. Oof. But! Caffeine helps. As does the fact that I have a tech training this afternoon, which means I don't have to be "on" so much, though concentrating and paying attention may be a bit challenging (I've heard the training is boring). Normally this wouldn't be a good thing, but for my energy level today it's perfect.  

I should mention the outfit above, yeah? Well, it may look familiar as it's very similar to an outfit I posted last week. When I'm lacking early morning creativity, recreating an outfit I've donned before with slightly different details is the best way to get my ass out the door on time. 

Outfit log: Frolic & Swish

Yikes. Blurry photo alert! Ah well, this outfit felt fabulous so I'm sharing it anyway even though I didn't get to snap it professionally in my kitchen with my cats meowing at me to feed them.

Occasion: Workin' it, April 9th

Outfit details:
handed down calvin klein tee
belt via tj maxx
thrifted midi skirt
clarks flats via outlet

I know not everyone is into the return of the midi skirt, but I've always loved 'em. It's silly, but I used to think I could only wear a skirt below the knee with some sort of heels to elongate my calves and legs. Hard to believe, right? These days I am much wiser and confident and thus know it in my heart that the look is equally adorable with flats, with the added bonus of being comfortable enough to frolic about in. And frolic I did! A skirt this swishy commands it.

Happy Friday you wonderful beings, you :) I'm very excited that the weekend is approaching, however am sure when Monday rolls around I will be a wee bit grumpy. You see, I'm volunteering at a conference all day Saturday for which I do not get time off, thus I'll only have Sunday to sleep in and play. Woe is me, I know... many people work six or even seven days a week, but when you're used to those two glorious days off, one just isn't enough! Especially since I lost a Saturday the weekend before last to attempted doula-ing. BUT whatev. The conference is gonna be fantastic in that the topics are really damn interesting to me. So, there's that! See ya on the flip side.

Outfit log: Dressed Up

Here I am, dressed up in one of my typical work ensembles.

Occasion: Workin' it, April 3rd

Outfit details:
swapped ae denim blazer
thrifted necklace
handed down gap flutter sleeve top
vegas vendor wrap skirt
clarks boots via 6pm.com

Getting dressed up for work is very important to me. In a sea of scrub-clad hospital workers and black-pants-with-a-button-up wearing colleagues, I genuinely feel that my wardrobe choices bring warmth, personality, and pizazz to what can be a very serious and sometimes downright depressing environment. There are several of us out there, the ones who stand out with our adorable ensembles. Those of us that dress up tend to compliment each other in the hallways, bathrooms, and elevators... gushing over that beautiful necklace or gorgeous skirt.

Perhaps this seems superficial, and really appreciating the beauty of an object merely for its inherent beauty is indeed superficial, however there is something deeper going on as well. My dressing up is not, of course, an altruistic endeavor designed just for the patients whom I encounter... it's mostly just something I do just for myself. I dress up for me because I like strutting around feeling like I put a masterpiece of an outfit together. It takes creativity and bravery and confidence (sartorial risk taking is not for the feint of heart!). And by continuing to dress myself up, I foster these traits within myself, becoming a stronger person each day simply by putting clothes on. And when I see other people in my environment who are doing the same thing? I am compelled to let them know I notice.

Outfit log: Trendster

Oooooh, look at me! Being all cool and hip to the game...

Occasion: Being hip and fashionable at work, April 2nd

The whole hi-low hem trend was not something I initially thought I'd be into, but I have slowly been worn down into submission. Okay, that sounds like a bad thing. How about... I've become desensitized to the weirdness of the mullet dress? I don't think that's better. I guess what I'm saying is that the more I see other bloggers rock the hi-low hem look, the more I thought it was kind of adorable especially when the hi is above the knee and the low below. Ya dig?

Outfit details:
bloom hi-low hem dress
banana republic outlet leggings
dankso "reeny" heeled clog mary janes
thrifted belt
cost plus world market necklace

I picked up this number at Bloom at The Shops at Tanforan in San Bruno. No, not that bloom. It's just a little inexpensive store that I'd compare to Forever 21 or Charlotte Russe. Not very high quality stuff --   mostly tragically trendy really -- but when I saw this dress/tunic, I had to try it on. I adored the print immediately and could imagine three ways to remix it straight away. The dress was full price (like $25?), which made me debate over even trying it on (thrifting has ruined me for retail shopping prices), but when I did, I fell in love and didn't want to take it off; it had to come home with me!

So far I'm totally satisfied with my purchase. This isn't the type of dress I could find at a thrift store, and seriously (fashion is serious, folks!) the print and the colors feel very me and I was drawn to them. I can't wait to layer it over pants (yeah, pants... just wait), throw a vest on top, and wear it as a top or skirt. Versatility rocks!

Happy Friday, by the by. I'm extremely grateful that the weekend is looming and that the weather is and will continue to be warm and sunny and just absolutely perfect. I plan to spend as much time outside as possible. In the sun. Oh, glorious sun, I've missed you!

P.S. Thanks for your kind/funny/validating comments on my last post. After I hit "publish," I gotta admit I was feeling a bit badly about being kinda whiney, but in the end it felt so damn good to get it out and I've felt much lighter and positive since. So, expect more kvetching from now on! Juuuuuust kidding. I try to dwell on the bright side most of the time, y'all. That's not gonna change anytime soon!

Outfit log: Nothing New + Feelings

Oh, hello there! Here's an outfit.

(FYI I say "shit" a lot in this post. And am admittedly snarky.)

Occasion: Workin' it, March 28th

Outfit details:
handed down dress
handed down michael stars black long sleeve tee
assets reversible (!) tights
born "bitsy" boots via 6pm.com
modcloth necklace

I feel this ensemble is just a couple of variations on some themes I've already posted about (treating dresses like skirts and layering vests over shit), so I don't have much to say about it, other than it's composed of some serious wardrobe MVPs (vest, dress, boots, bam!).

In other news, I've been feeling out of sorts this week, for a couple of different reasons (when it rains it fucking pours, am I right?). I had an interesting experience volunteering this weekend, and by interesting I mean shitty. Okay, it wasn't that shitty, I suppose, because really I always just want what is best for patients, but in the end a laboring mom I was working with asked me to leave. Granted her hubby was fantastic support and really was all she needed so I need to QTIP*, but alas. Easily said, not so easily done, especially in the moment.

I'm meeting with my fellow volunteers tonight, though, so that should help with the processing/moving on/learning from the experience crap. Also, thank goodness for labor nurses! Those chicks totally had my back mid-panic (with thoughts of "oh shit! I suck at this thing I'm really passionate about!"). The whole experience caused a wave of existential crisis that I'm still kinda riding, but it's starting to simmer down, thanks to the wisdom of my friends and my lovah (wink, wink, smile!). Even though I still don't know what the hell I'm doing with my life.

In addition to the existential stuff, I've also been feeling both sad and angry about two things I can't control (okay, the things are people). I try to not think about one most of the time (since I can't do shit to change shit), but a weird dream followed by new information out of the blue just floored me... in the way where I was like part of the floor. The part that is a puddle. And the second "thing" is just immature, and you can't fix that, can ya?! Obviously am being super secretive about both to protect the innocent (they're totally guilty), however the root of the issue is that I'm always right. Agreed? Agreed!

I came across this pin today**, thanks to Ali of Wardrobe Oxygen, and it really made me feel better. Hip hip, hooray! (For inspirational art, yo.)

*Quite Taking It Personally!
**By the way, I know that some anxiety and depression isn't caused by living in the past or future, but rather brain chemistry shenanigans. But this quote helped shift MY perspective surrounding my current situational depression/anxiety bullshit.

Outfit log: Superhero Legs

I just love how others rock colored tights, but I swear I have a mental block about 'em. This outfit, thus, felt very triumphant.

Occasion: Workin' it, March 27th

Outfit details:
gifted vintage dress
thrifted belt
american apparel outlet tights
born "bitsy" boots via 6pm.com

I think having just a sliver of superhero legs peaking between the tops of my boots the bottom of the dress was just right for broadening my tights-related comfort level. I chose the teal because 1) they're one of two pairs of colored tights I own, and 2) they coordinate with the tiny blue print throughout the dress.

I know it's been said before, but just in case you didn't know... if you're looking to dabble in belting outfits, your local thrift store is the best resource! They're so inexpensive, y'all. These days it would be really hard to convince myself to purchase a belt for more than $5. And just look at this beauty! I'd been looking for a pink belt forever. And now it's mine without breaking the bank. Holla!

Outfit log: From Costume to Closet

You guys! It's been raining like crazy around these parts. We even got some hail on Thursday! Not to mention loads of thunder and lightning last night. Where am I?! The thunder and lightning reminds me of Summers in DC when I was in high school... and I love it! Well, when I'm warm and dry and cozied up in my apartment that is. While on public transit, however, it's the WORST.

The rain should clear up this weekend, though! I might get to enjoy some sunshine on Sunday, but Saturday I'm (hopefully) volunteering as a doula. Last time I was on call, I didn't get called in... so keep those fingers crossed for me!

Occasion: Workin' it, March 26th

Outfit details:
vintage sweater via goodwill
skirt via nordstrom many moons ago
clarks boots via 6pm.com
cost plus world market necklace

Meanwhile, here's an outfit from March. I picked up this sweater four years ago for an 80s party, and fell in love with the dolman sleeves and buttery color. Paired with this printed skirt and boots was comfy and warm, but leaving off the tights kept me from overheating (a huge problem lately with this rainy weather).

Outfit log: Shades of Brown

Neutral-colored pieces are just the easiest to mix and match. While in the past I've done this more often with black/white/gray, the outfit I'm sharing today is all about different shades of brown, with a bit o' pattern mixing thrown in!

Occasion: Workin' it, March 21st

Outfit details:
kohls dress
jcrew outlet cardigan
modcloth necklace
leggings c/o HUE
clarks boots via 6pm.com

These leggings are an interesting color that I likely would not have purchased on my own, however seeing as they were free (HUE sent them to me about a year and a half ago) and are my only pair of full length leggings that aren't black or gray, I've managed to work them into my outfits periodically. Here they added some warm contrast to the cooler brown tones in the dress and boots, while tying in the tan print of the cardigan into the bottom half of the ensemble nicely.

Outfit log: Surprisingly Versatile

First off, I hope you had a lovely weekend! Mine involved lazy mornings, furniture rearranging (I think I finally determined the winning layout!), and observing a tricycle race down the steepest/windiest hill in SF. The trike race was pretty amusing, for two reasons: 1) parents allow children to do it, which seems treacherous and 2) adults get to participate after the kiddos, and many dress themselves and their trikes up in crazy costumes. The thought of riding down terrified me, but the look of triumph on the faces of those who participated was pretty awesome!

Now, onto the outfit I'm sharing today.

It's no secret that I'm a big fan of wrap skirts and dresses, but I didn't always know how versatile they could be! Here, I dressed up the, er, dress for work by layering my favorite vest on top, businessy tights underneath, topped off with a long necklace with a black pendant to work the dark colors in my bottom half into my top half, and boots to keep me warm and dry.

Occasion: Workin' it, March 19th

Outfit details:
old navy wrap dress
h&m vest
thrifted necklace
hue argyle tights
born "bitsy" boots

Other tricks I recommend to change up a wrap dress:

• Add on a wide belt, tucking the ties underneath.
• Layer over it with a blazer, cardigan, or vest.
• Change up the accessories; I'm especially fond of bright statement necklaces.
• Pair it with playful tights in a bright color or fun pattern.

I hope your week is off to a great start! 

Outfit log: Greenie

Though most of the colors in this tunic are appearing more bluish in this picture, I assure you they're on the greener side of the spectrum, thus perfect for St. Patrick's day eve at work.

Occasion: Workin' it Friday style, March 16th

Outfit details:
INC tunic via nordstrom
gap ponte pants
madeline boots
thrifted necklace
lookmatic specs

I scored the necklace at a thrift store down the street from my apartment for a mere 75 cents. Ridiculous. Especially because the black part of the pendant is made of some sort of stone. Gotta love a bargain! Also, fantastic wardrobe gap filler... you don't know how many mornings I've wished for a long necklace with a black pendant to work black pants or skirts into the tops of my outfits. It's the little things that brighten my day, y'all.

In other news, I dreamt last night that I made my own face wash from all natural ingredients. Since I'm really not a real-life DIYer, I can only conclude that my obsessive Pin-addiction is now infiltrating my subconscious.

Outfit log: Old Tricks

And the favorite wrap skirt returns! With another brown-based outfit.

Occasion: Workin' it, March 9th

Outfit details:
handed down brown boatneck top
cost plus world market necklace
thrifted belt
thrifted vintage wrap skirt
dansko "reeny" mary janes

I just can't help it; apparently I own a lot of tops in the brown, burgundy, or navy blue variety. It's just too easy to work 'em with this skirt, people. One day I'll try out your fantastic suggestions for alternate color pairings (loving the idea of mustard, especially!), but in the meantime I'm totally fine with workin' this skirt in a similar way, but that still felt fresh and new.

Did y'all have a nice weekend? Mine was glorious! Lots of relaxing (not so much blogging, hence the tardiness of today's post, which I'm certain only matters to me anyway), some dancing and drankin', a birthday party, and I painted a wall for the first time! Very satisfying it turns out. Oh, and I got paid in beer to do it. How rad is that??