9/12/10: En Espanol

As I settle into my new home, I'm enjoying having almost nothing to do. My goals for the day were to finish sewing a skirt, recycle some boxes, and update my blogs. Rough life, huh?

Given the extraordinary amount of time I have on my hands, I could have found some amazing outfit. Instead, I kept it comfortable.

Camisole: Kirkland Signature via Costco, two for $12.99 in July 2010
Tee: Doe, via clothing exchange
Jeans: Vanilla Star, from forever ago
Belt: via Flea Market
Shoes: Xhileration, thrifted
Cat: property of next door neighbors

Now, I never wear heels. At 5'7" I am not especially tall, but I tend to roll with a short crowd. All my friends are short. All my relationships have been with people shorter than me. I'm not ashamed of my height, but I dislike feeling like a giant. I'd rather be the same size as everyone else. If I had my way, I'd be shorter, so when someone put their arm around me I'd actually felt protected.

That said, I like how it feels to wear heels. I feel powerful. I feel confident. I feel like I could kick your ass.
With today's orders of business, I could strut into the fabric store and buy those sewing machine needles. Best of all, the wedge style made these shoes quite comfortable. To be perfectly honest, I don't think I'd ever worn them until today. This is why I needed the September shoe challenge.

The rest of the outfit is nothing special. My favorite Costco camisole, a pair of jeans I've had forever, and a tee reading "un pez, dos peces, pez rojo, pez azul" (for those of you lacking in Spanish language ability or suffering from Dr. Seuss amnesia that is "one fish, two fish, red fish, blue fish"). Gotta have my childish fun before I have to pretend to be a responsible graduate student.

9/11/10: Barney and the September Shoe Challenge

One good thing about moving is that it forces you to invoice your possessions. As I unpacked, I discovered that I have 38 41 42 pairs of shoes, excluding bedroom slippers and dance shoes. Since I started this blog, I have only pictured myself wearing 7 different pairs of shoes. And thus, I am creating the September Shoe Challenge: 

The September Shoe Challenge is to wear a different pair of shoes everyday for the rest of September. As today is September 11, and I am starting this TODAY, that will require 20 different pairs of shoes, 20 different looks, and 20 attempts at expanding my horizons. Clearly, a day may require shoe changes- i.e running shoes to work shoes, or casual shoes to going out shoes. That is fine. The point is I must wear a different pair of shoes for at least part of the day, preferably a part of the day where I actually leave the house.

I would love for you to join me on this shoe adventure, at least to the best of your ability. Let's dig out those pairs from the back of our closets. 

So, in honor of the September Shoe challenge, I present my "Barney look." 

Tank: Old Navy, always "two for $15"
Slacks: Tommy Hilfiger via outlet, $29.99 in spring 2010
Shoes: Puma via outlet, $39.99? in spring 2010

So, why my "Barney look" you ask? When I got these shoes, I was still coaching gymnastics. It was also hot, and I was in Florida. Thus, I wore these to work with my favorite purple running shorts. My delightful group of 4-year-old gymnasts proclaimed that my shoes were Barney colored. It stuck.

My favorite little one said, "Toach Tayla, tose shoes awe cwazy! But I'm cwazieor!" Ah, the honesty of youth.

While I am not a huge fan of the color pink, I make exceptions for hot pink and fuchsia. Today is proof. On a dreary Midwestern day where my only task was to unsuccessfully shop for a kitchen table, I needed all the Barney cheerfulness I could get.

8/26/10: Pretending at Back To School

On one of my last days in my hometown, I headed to my undergraduate campus to meet a friend for lunch. I knew it would feel weird to wander that campus as an alumnus. I knew I'd feel out of place. I knew I wouldn't be starting classes for another month. I decided to play a little game with myself and pretend I was starting school. I dressed up in my best "it's my first day as a graduate student" look.

Top: Express, forever ago
Skirt: Express, bought at friend's clothing sale for $5
Belt: via Kohl's, $4.80 in August 2010
Purse: XOXO via Burlington Coat Factory, forever ago
Shoes: "Kiren" by XAPPEAL at Rack Room Shoes, $14.99 in July 2010

This coral colored skirt was both the first high-waisted skirt and the first coral colored item in my wardrobe. I quickly discovered that I love the high-waisted look, but the color is still weird for me. I wear this skirt because I like it, but I'm not going to make the eye-popping shade a regular part of my wardrobe. Paired with basic black though, I like it. It goes equally well with white, though I've been afraid to try any other shades.

Question: What colors do you rarely wear? When you do wear those colors, do you keep it basic, or do you go wild?

8/2/10: Traveling and Apartment Hunting

As promised, I am posting old things I never got around to posting.

At the beginning of August, I traveled to my future home to find an apartment. In hopes of looking like "I'm a young professional you want to give a good deal on rent," I dressed up a little.

Headband: Dollar Store
Shirt: Express
Skirt: Takara via Dillard's, on sale for something like $10.99 in July 2010
Purse: XOXO via Burlington Coat Factory, forever ago
Shoes: "Women's Arbor Sandal by Privo, $24.47 on Amazon in most sizes
Ankle Wrap: available at your local urgent care center or pharmacy

When I travel by air, I always try to avoid wearing metal and shoes with laces. I'd prefer not to be patted down and searched, and the best way to guarantee this is to waltz right through the metal detector. I also prefer not to fight with my shoe laces, so sandals have become my traveling norm.

The skirt and white top was breezy enough to keep me cool as I desperately searched the city for an apartment. The sandals were comfortable enough. The headband hid my messy post-airplane air. And not only did I find an apartment, but I found some amazing sidewalk chark art. All in all, a successful trip.

8/29/30: Going Away and a Birthday

While it may seem that I had disappeared off the face of the Earth, I would like to assure you that I am very much alive. I have, however, disappeared from Florida. I am now happily settling into life in the Midwest.

Over the next few days, I am going to try to post some things I never quite got around to posting.

This year, I combined by 22nd birthday party with my going away party. I wanted something festive and fun, and I settled on the adorable dress I found at JCPenny (of all places).

I found the shoes on Amazon. While I am usually reluctant to buy shoes without trying them, I took a gamble. It paid off. Initially, they were very comfortable, but after wearing them all afternoon, I decided I could have used a half size larger (which, of course, doesn't exist). However, like most shoes by BC Footwear, these are leather. I think they will stretch.

Dress with Belt: East 5th via JCPenney, on sale for $27.99 in August 2010
Shoes: "Women's Escalator Flat" by BC Footwear, via amazon, on sale for $19.99 in August 2010

Dangerous Curves Ahead

Warning: Dangerous Curves Ahead

As my moving date rapidly approaches, my mom wants more and more time with me. That's okay though, because I want time with her too.

After helping her pick out glasses and stopping by a party, we decided to hit the mall. Mom needed athletic tops for yoga and tennis. I don't need anything, but I am currently obsessed with dresses. Needless to say, I found more than I bargined for (or perhaps I should say, more than I budgeted for.)

As I mentioned, I am obsessed with dresses lately. You put one on. You add a pair of sandals. You are ready to go. I found two dresses that fit like they were made for me.

Worthington® Zipper Detail Sheath via JCPenney, on sale for $27.99 in August 2010

  East 5th Pleated Sundress with Belt via JCPenney, on sale for $27.99 in August 2010

This however, is not what I am excited about. Today, it was all about the skirt.

Worthington Button Detail High Waist Skirt via JCPenney, $24.99 in August 2010

I've always worn my skirts and jeans slung low around my hips. I bought my first high waist skirt earlier this summer, and have fallen in love with the professional, polished look it offers. To top it off, this skirt is sexy as hell. I put it on, walked out of the dressing room, and asked my mother, "Where did these curves come from?" Now, don't get me wrong. I love it and can't wait to wear it, but I'm in shock over how good my ass looks.

7/31/10: Wrap It Up

On a scorching summer day in Florida, you dress for the tempterature. Though I spent most of Sunday comfortably inside an air-conditioned mall, I still needed to stay cool. I do not exxagerate when I say the heat index was 111 degrees. I melted from my car to the Macy's entrance. 

Tank: Old Navy, usually 2 for $15.00

Bracelet: Handmade by me

Skirt: Jedzebel, via Quarter Moon Imports, also available on Amazon for $29.00 

Shoes: "Women's Ranfod Sandal" by Privo, from $37.26 on Amazon

Sexy ankle wrap: Available at your local urgent care clinic

Reversible silk wrap skirts are about as cool as you can get. The fabric is lightweight. The simple tie around the waist does not stick like an elastic waistband. There are no interior seams to irritate your already sweaty skin. Paired with a simple ribbed tank, I stayed as cool as I possibly could. 

Jedzebel  is an awesome brand. Everything is fair trade, and their silk skirts are made of recycled saris. Their items can be ordered via their website or on Amazon, as well as purchased at many locally owned boutiques. If you are ever in Santa Cruz, make sure to check out their storefront. Last time I visited, there were hundreds of beautiful silk skirts and tops for $10 or $15. 

My favorite part of the outfit, however, was the bracelet. 

 
I am currently obsessed with button bracelets. In the last week, I have made six. I need to make one more, so I will have one for each day of the work. For all you crafty types, I'll have a "How To" post soon. For those who aren't so crafty, I'll also be hosting a contest to win a custom made button bracelet. Keep your eyes peeled.