Outfit log: Spendy vs. Thrifty

Soooo... I spent $80 on this skirt.

Occasion: Workin' it then Happy Hour, September 4th

Outfit details:
swapped h&m dress (as top)
anthro skirt, on clearance
swapped necklace
clarks (outlet) mary janes

That's like WAY more than I would usually spend on one article of clothing (excluding boots)... however this skirt SPOKE to me: the fit is perfect, hello gorgeous pockets, BUTTONS, chic leopard print, easily remixable, etc. etc. etc. These are the reasons I convinced myself to buy it, and, people, I've already worn it like half a dozen times. Mark my words: I will get my money's worth out of this sucker!

At times I think of how much clothing I could have purchased second hand for $80 and I start feeling a little sick, but then I remembered that it's okay to treat myself once in awhile to something that feels decadent. Plus, the skirt was on SALE! Also? The top (which is actually a dress) and the necklace in this outfit were score for FREE at a clothing swap. Spendy meets thrifty. Bam.

In other news I'm going to be applying to graduate school to study social work and public health starting next Fall... and I just signed up to take the GRE in November. Ah! Shit is getting real.  Fingers crossed!

Outfit log: Back in the Zone, Part Deux

And my SF Summer wardrobe combo strikes again!

Occasion: Workin' it, August 31st

Outfit details:
hand me down dress (as skirt)
thrifted white house | black market sweater
born "bitsy" boots
f21 gifted necklace

For this version, I layered a new-to-me cotton sweater I snagged at the resale shop where my mom volunteers  over an awesomely comfortable and versatile dress that was handed down to me years ago (thanks, Julie!). Thanks for hooking me up, stylish ladies!

Now I'm off to enjoy the weekend! Until next week...

Outfit log: Pink Pop + Comparison Vortex

According to Pinterest, Theordore Roosevelt said, "Comparison is the thief of joy." I printed out that quote today and stuck it up on my actual bulletin board behind my computer. I need to be reminded that it is natural to feel less than when I start comparing myself to others, and that I already have the tools to fight the comparison vortex in all avenues of my life.

Occasion: Workin' it, August 30th

Outfit details:
thrifted handmade skirt
gap outlet tee
venice boutique belt ($5, yo!)
clarks wedge sandals
modcloth pocketwatch necklace

These tools feel most well-honed when it comes to my body image, where I have a practice of talking back to myself when I start having mean body/beauty thoughts. For instance, I've spent a lot of time and energy in re-training my mind to appreciate other's differences when it comes to beauty and bodies instead of criticizing myself for not being ______ "enough." I'm a firm believer that body image improvement leads to self image improvement, so I'm taking these practices and applying them to some self image crap I'm dealing with right now. For the last 12 hours or so I've been obsessing over all kinds of wonderful things that are happening/I'm planning in my life and worrying that I'm doing them all incorrectly or less well than others, which fills me with anxiety instead of excitement, and fear instead of joy. To counter these asshole feelings, I'm telling myself the following:

• I am the expert in my life and the ways in which I thrive
• Learning how others do things well that I've struggled with in the past is helpful
• I'm going to take what I need, and leave what I don't
• I trust myself

Ahhh... already feeling a bit better. Also, I scored the belt above for $5. Holla! 

Outfit log: Back in the Zone

I think I've finally perfected dressing for Summer in SF. This combo keeps my body temperature at an ideal level throughout the day, while still feeling adorable.

Occasion: Workin' it, August 21st

Outfit details:
thrifted benetton skirt
swapped white house | black market sweater
thrifted necklace
born "bitsy" boots

In fact I'm wearing a variation of this today. And did yesterday. And twice last week. The winning components for me are:

• Cotton sweater - This material is KEY because it's warmer than a tee, yet breathable. Which is important when it's cool and damp (read: humid/sweat inducing) because of all of the fog.
• Skirt - You may have gathered that I love skirts. 
• Boots, no tights - My legs are semi-exposed to keep my body temp down, but also partially covered to protect against the ever-present wind.

Also I call this my cylon necklace. Get it? Any BSG fans out there? I have the biggest crush on Starbuck.

Outfit log: Easy-Peasy, Breezy...

Dressing for LA Summer weather was so easy! No need for layer upon layer and no worries about exposed legs/arms/toes/etc.

Occasion: Schoolin' it LA style, August 9th

Outfit details:
vintage 70s wrap skirt
gap outlet camisole
cost plus necklace
clarks wedge sandals

Though, honestly, I kinda missed my layers! Not immensely, and it was such a treat to wear sandals everyday and not need a jacket... but I've grown so accustomed to dressing for a usually-pretty-cool climate that I feel a bit... incomplete when I can't use my full arsenal of layering goodies. I suppose this means I should quit complaining about cool Summer weather in the Bay Area. But I probably won't...

In other news, this simple look features two of my wardrobe workhorses that I can wear in any weather: this awesome '70s wrap skirt I picked up on Melrose in college (like, for sure!) and my favorite statement necklace. Easy-peasy, breezy, and sleazy. Okay, minus the sleaze.

Outfit log: Crochet and Wedges

One day I'll get back into the kitchen tripod pics, but for now I'm subjecting you to this crappy quality. Muahahaha!

Occasion: Schoolin' it LA style, August 7th

Outfit details:
thrifted handmade skirt
clarks sandals
swapped woven belt
gap outlet top

I'm kidding. I do feel bad about it. But at least you get an idea of what this outfit looked like? The best parts are these Clarks wedges that I adore and are so comfy, and the crocheted bits around the neckline of the top.

I have some more recent iPhone pics that aren't so craptastic. Stay tuned :)

P.S. Is anyone else in the funkiest mood today? Watch out!