Outfit log: Staycation Style

Even though I recently took some time off because I was as sick as a dog (and I'm taking some time off late in August to visit my mom in the Midwest) I decided to get in a little staycation after the 4th of July holiday... taking off Thursday and Friday.

It felt decadent and a little silly at first since I had made absolutely no daytime plans, but then I got hella shit done. I got my oil changed, got new tires that were desperately needed, did four loads of laundry at the laundromat (and folded it all and put it away), went grocery shopping, cooked meals for the week, and also went dancing each and every night from Thursday to Sunday. It was the most chill, fun, productive four days EVER.

Occasion: Gettin' New Tires, July 6th

Outfit details:
thrifted vintage sweater
thrifted denim skirt
thrifted kork ease sandals
handed down earrings

For my outing to the tire shop, I donned this getup. I recently picked up this darling vintage "petite" sweater at Out of the Closet for $7.50. 'Twas a bit pricier than most items I buy at OftC, but that's only because it came with a matching crocheted and pleated pink skirt. I doubt I'll wear the two together unless as a costume, but as separates the two pieces delight me. I mean... check out that peplum action at the bottom! It's also a great weight for the Bay Area... a little snuggly, but airy too to let in the breeze when I'm running around.

Oh, also? This entire outfit is second-hand, y'all.

Outfit log: Hodge Podge

This outfit was inspired by color blocking. I can't call it ACTUAL color blocking since, you know, the print on the skirt... but it deserves partial credit.

Occasion: Workin' it, June 27th

Outfit details:
gap outlet top
thrifted fuchsia belt
wrap skirt from street fair
clarks flats

Mostly, the ensemble is just a hodge-podge. There's lots of contrasts: cotton top and silk skirt, gold necklace and silver-ish shoes, printed skirt and crochet element on top, fuchsia belt against the green of the top and the blue of the skirt. Yet I think all those together kinda work here?

And even if not, a good hair day certainly helps :)

Update: per request, a close-up of my nails. Thanks, Sally Hansen Salon Effects!

Outfit log: Boots sans Tights

I've addressed this before, but dressing for the summer climate in San Francisco is challenging! Especially commuting into the city from Oakland, where it's typically sunnier and warmer. BUT! I have found a great combo that keeps me warm enough when I'm outside in the wind and fog, and prevents me from overheating  both when I'm dashing around the hospital and when stuck in a hot BART train.

Occasion: Workin' it, June 20th

Outfit details:
max studio outlet dress & bolero
clarks boots
old navy cami
antique faire necklace

The solution? Boots sans tights. Plus wearing more breathable fabrics on my top/hotter (temp-wise, y'all) half. And long-sleeve layers that are removable (like the cardigan above, or a jacket or blazer).

This is likely not helpful for you if you're anywhere else in the US where it's hot as shit right now. But, maybe keep in mind in the fall?

Outfit log: Separates

Don't get me wrong, I love love LUURRVVE me a pretty dress, but 9 times out of 10 I'm going to reach for a skirt + top combo instead.

Occasion: Workin' it, June 13th

They are much easier to remix (though I have my means of remixing dresses too... ie cardigans, vests, tights, etc.), and fit is more flexible. On a dress you are limited to the overall silhouette (unless you're also handy with alterations), whereas with skirts and tops you create the silhouette you want with the pieces you choose and also how you decide to don them (tucked or untucked, tops tied or belted, etc.).

Outfit details:
thrifted sweet pea top
thrifted vintage skirt
clarks boots
bridesmaid gift necklace

I bring all this up because this outfit is only one top and one necklace different from the one I posted last Thursday, yet the whole look reads more different than that. Am I right?

So those are my deep thoughts on separates vs. dresses today! I've also detailed my makeup below.

Makeup details:
clinique all about eyes concealer (under eyes, eyelids, and around nose)
clinique almost makeup mineral powder
urban decay primer potion in sin
urban decay eyeshadow in sin
maybelline great lash mascara in blackest black
nars blush in orgasm
clinique almost lipstick in black honey

I've been really into simple eye makeup lately... often just wearing mascara on my top lash line and some sort of pigment on my lips. It feels pretty fresh and natural after doing the cat eye thing pretty regularly for awhile, but I gotta be honest and say that the impetus for this new routine was that I ran out of my favorite cat eye liner (mac fluidline) and haven't gotten around to replacing it. 

But! Breaking from the cat eye habit has sort of helped me embrace my peepers sans dark liner, and anytime I get all self-lovey about features I hadn't been before... well that's good in my book. Once I get my fluidline replaced I'll be back on the cat eye wagon I'm sure... but with additional "less is more" days thrown in. 

Hope your week is off to a good start!

Outfit log: Pencil Skirt, Flutter Sleeves, & Self-Love

I'm having a pretty good week, people. Some good friend time, good alone time, some dancing on the horizon, positive work stuff... I'm not sure what's going on with the universe or my soul or whatever... but it's working, and I'm feeling quite lucky and appreciative!

Occasion: Workin' it, June 6th

Outfit details:
gap outlet top
thrifted vintage pencil skirt
necklace from swap
clarks boots

Actually... I take that back. I think I know the reason why the stars are aligning and I'm feeling all peppy-like. I think it's because I've decided to take a break from dating/relationship-seeking. This is hard for me, because pretty much as long as I can remember I've been on a QUEST FOR LOVE. And that shit can feel all encompassing, yo. I was always looking for someone to complete me and make me happy and sweep me off my feet and yada yada yada. However, after my recent short relationship ended I realized I don't have it in me to go through another break-up anytime soon. That shit is so hard emotionally, and I'm done with it for now.

So instead of focusing on finding love (and through that happiness), I am focusing on taking care of myself and doing whatever the fuck I can to make myself happy. And it's been hard and sometimes lonely, but I feel like I've just come into this new place where I'm finally succeeding?

Next step: getting married to myself! Hahaha just kidding. Though I totally see the appeal. Self-love is awesome!

P.S. So are flutter sleeves and pencil skirts.

Outfit log: Evidence of Versatility

Sooooo I guess I wear this skirt a lot. Also, I go two-stepping a lot!

Occasion: Friend date + Two-steppin', June 3rd

Outfit details:
anthro tunic
thrifted skirt
thrifted belt
dan post boots

I was hesitant to post this ensemble because it's so similar to many I've posted before (including ones featuring this same skirt) HOWEVER the skirt is freaking versatile and this is EVIDENCE. This is why printed skirts with a black background are my absolute favorites. I can pair 'em with black tops to look very streamlined, or pull out colors from the prints to be more... uh, colorful :)

Oh, and that twirly pic is for you, Mia!

Outfit log: Never Fully Dressed...

Without a smiiiiiiiiile! Can you tell that this outfit made me very happy? 

Occasion: Boot scootin', June 1st

Outfit details:
banana republic outlet tee
necklace by christine domanic via fab.com
thrifted belt
dan post boots
maxstudio skirt via tjmaxx

My mom nabbed this skirt for me for its twirlability. It also has this great lining that doesn't twirl, so thanks mom, for keeping me cute and decent :) 


I hope my stateside peeps enjoyed yesterday's holiday! I got a really weird sunburn from sitting out at Dolores Park sans sunscreen (ouch, bad mistake), but it was lovely nonetheless. Park time was followed by a lovely barbeque, cause what's better than that on the 4th? I've taken off Thursday and Friday from work to create a little staycation time for myself. Big plans include seasonally inappropriate spring cleaning and getting some stuff done on my car. Annnnnd... dancing!

Outfit log: My Favorite Way to Wear a Skirt

Good Monday, beautiful people! I just spent the weekend in bed with a gross cough/fever/lethargy situation, which meant no dancing for me :( I'm pretty disappointed to have missed my monthly queer women and friends country dance, but all my potential dance partners are probably thankful I didn't cough all over them. Hoping to be in better dancing shape by this coming weekend, though. Fingers crossed!

But enough about that thrilling topic, onto an outfit!

Occasion: Workin' it, June 1st

Outfit details:
gifted express top
thrifted belt
thrifted skirt
rocket dog flats

I donned this getup a few weeks ago, and it was one of those combos that just felt freakin' perfect. To think that just a few years ago I had never worn a skirt belted at my waist! This has definitely become my go to skirted outfit formula, and I doubt I'll ever tire of it.

Lastly, I mentioned in Friday's sock bun post that I tried another variation the very next day, and herrrrre it is! It may not be crazy inventive... I just moved the bun down to the nape of my neck, a hairstyle position I'm quite fond of... but it felt a bit more "me" while still feeling fresh. I'll definitely be rocking this sock bun variation again.