Part 2: Top, Spring

 Using a dress as a top isn't the most common remix, but in this case it served my purpose perfectly.  I am seriously lacking in summer staple pieces (mainly tops that are work appropriate).  As a result, I was having a hard time pairing this beautiful J Crew skirt I thrifted with anything in my closet.  This dress provided a simple top and its full bottom gave some lift to my skirt.  The twirl-capabilities were endless - and that inspired me to do this:

 Dress worn as top: Body Shop; Skirt: Thrifted, J Crew; Belt: Anthro; Necklace: local jewelry maker; Shoes: Rampage

Oh blogging, what have you done with my pride?

Hope everyone is having a great week - and not getting tired of this series.  Two more looks (and seasons) to go!  

The Most Versatile Item in my Wardrobe: Part 1 (Dress, Summer)

I bought this dress on a shopping trip with my mom last summer.  We were in one of those cheap discount "designer" stores - Forever 21 but not.  I bought it on a whim - it was $20 and had pretty colors.  I liked it, but I never expected it to become one of my closet staples.  

Dress: Body Central; Necklace: American Eagle; Bangles: local boutique; Belt: Old Navy (stolen from the boy); Shoes: Sahara via Rackroom

But then tribal print happened in a big way.  Plus, the colorful skirt matches so many of my accessories, and the saturated colors work for every season.  After flipping through my pictures and realizing how many times (and different ways) I've worn in in the past year, I thought it was time to devote a post series to it's awesomeness. 

Hope you like it as much as I do!

My First Foray into Pattern Mixing

As I'm sure all of you stylish ladies are already aware, stripes, brights, and pattern mixing are all huge trends for summer (and if the early fall look books are any indication, will transition into autumn as well).  I thought I might as well give them all a shot at once.

shirt: lilly pulitzer, thrifted; skirt:thrifted; bag: local boutique; belt:F21; shoes: limelight 

I've never had much of a problem incorporating saturated colors into my wardrobe and stripes have long been a summer staple (although I look forward to deploying them more in the cooler months), but pattern mixing simultaneously enthralled and scared the bejeezus out of me.  Like so many other trends, it looks so effortless on other women, but when I looked into my own closet, every pattern seemed to clash.   That is until I thrifted this skirt.  For some reason its black and white scheme seems to gives me permission to mix it with just about whatever I like, including hot pink stripes.  Hopefully this will open my eyes to more possible combinations in my closet.

If you've struggled with this trend as well (or if you're just looking for some inspiration) this post is one of the best I've read on the subject.  

OH, and how great is this bag?  I've had it for 3 years now, but it keeps popping into my rotation and I fall in love with it all over again.  Dark purple is by far the most underrated neutral - it really does go with almost everything.

  

Plumage - Super Ballin'

Two weekends ago the boy, his roommate, and one of my best friend's boyfriend, and I piled into a car and road tripped to New York for Super Ball - a 3 day Phish festival.  I spent most of the weekend in a bikini top and shorts (and have the awesomely tan shoulders to prove it) but I did manage to actually get dressed a time or two - here's the proof:

Shirt, shorts: Old Navy; Belt: Body Shop; Shoes: Sahara; Shades: outdoor vendor; water: Fiji

This has easily become one of my favorite summer outfits.  It's breezy and casual while still looking put together.  The best part:  I shoved it into my very small bag (I packed lighter than the boys!) and it didn't wrinkle too badly at all.  Love.  

Plumage - Prissy Plaid

Skirt: second-hand (gifted from aunt); Shirt: Gap, thrifted; Earrings: Ireland

Through this whole fashion blogging experience (as a reader and a writer) perhaps the biggest change I've seen in my own style has been the way I mentally categorize my clothes.  I find myself looking at my wardrobe as endless possible combinations rather than as a series of tops, bottoms, and dresses with limited applications.  This has allowed me to blur the lines between "work wear" and "weekend wear" which has basically doubled my wardrobe without me having to spend a dollar.  

For example, this shirt was a fun thrift find that I immediately rotated into my Saturday lounging/Sunday brunch outfits, but it took a few weeks before I decided to introduce it to my Monday-Friday pieces.  This skirt was so sweetly given to me by my aunt when I started temping at my now job.  I went home desperately searching for office wear, and she bestowed me with my very first pencil skirt.  In my mind, these two pieces were on opposite ends of my wardrobe spectrum, but I think they pair together surprisingly well.  

Little steps, one outfit at a time.

Plumage - Men's Shirt

This may be my favorite shirt.  It's certainly my most comfortable button-up.  It's actually a men's shirt.  From Goodwill.  That my best friend/former roommate gave me when I needed some "office appropriate" wear, before I had time to properly transition my wardrobe.  It’s not the most flattering shirt.  In fact, I took one of the worst photos in recent memory wearing it recently.  But nevertheless, I love it. 

Shirt: American Eagle, thrift gift; Dress (worn as a skirt): American Eagle; Belt: Anthro; Shoes: Sahara; Earrings: F21 

Especially paired with this dress (worn as a skirt).  The rich cranberry and dark blue play together so nicely.  And that’s my favorite belt.  I feel like the pieces in my closet that become my favorites aren’t necessarily the most flattering.  They are comfortable, and pretty, and as of late, the best thrifting finds.  They are what I would wear even if I was all alone and dressing only for myself, and even though I’m glad I own a growing collection of pretty party dresses, stiletto heels, and pencil skirts  - it’s really these gems that become the wardrobe of my daily (non-working) life.

Flight Report - Blah

I have a distinct idea of what my happiest life feels like.  It’s the perfect balance of chaos and structure.  It’s spontaneity and responsibility seamlessly coexisting.   It’s late night swims, followed by showers in a freshly scrubbed tub.  It’s love making on hot summer nights and standing naked in the kitchen eating cold cherries.  It’s a well-stocked fridge that allows for impromptu picnics, and sipping coffee on Sunday morning while reading to the sounds of laundry. 

And right now I’m failing at creating this life.  I feel simultaneously unproductive and no fun.  I need to vacuum and I can’t remember the last time I went out dancing.  I just feel off.  Not myself.  Blah. 

Tonight I clean and cook.  Tomorrow I frolic. 

Keeping it Cas(ual)

Work has been insane as of late, leaving me too brain dead to compose anything close to coherent (much less witty and entertaining) on music, books, or pretty quotes and pictures.  

However, I do have an outfit shot.  Just one.  From several weeks ago.  And I'm wearing jeans.  ::Sigh::

But fear not - tomorrow starts my 5 day vacation.  I will be getting my hair cut and possibly getting a massage (which I won for free on the radio - movie trivia for the win!).  I will be spending lots of time with my family, swimming in the river with Jake, and eating too much good food.  I will also not have an internet connection, BUT I intend to write several posts for my return (once my wittyness is back at full capacity).

But for now, you get this: 

scarf: gap.  sweater: pacific sunwear.  jeans: abercrombie. sandles: sahara. 

The thing is, I really like this outfit.  It was inspired by a look on the jcrew site, and after two weeks of wearing nothing but office attire and heels (quickly followed by comfy clothes and bare feet once I arrive home), I am missing the more casual side of my wardrobe.  Also, Jake decided to partake in the photo shoot.  I couldn't bear to crop him out. 

I hope you all have a casual/amazing/relaxing weekend.

Amanda 

Plumage - Parisian Badass

This outfit was born from this scarf.  

I thrifted it a few months ago, and although I have roughly 30+ scarves, this is my first traditional, silk one, and I was having a difficult time styling it (instead of simply tying it onto my purse for decoration).  I decided that even though I had no idea what to do with it, one of those perpetually and effortless French women would know exactly how to wear it, so I channeled my inner Chanel, and voila.

Button-up: Cato; Skirt: Modcloth; Boots: hand-me-downs from my aunt; Scarf: thrifted; Earrings: gift from an ex.

My French outfit guide instructed me to wear black, pointed toe flats, but I was already getting annoyed at her input (and the fact that she reeked of cigarette smoke, wore sunglasses inside, and wouldn’t eat any of the delicious cobbler I offered her), so I slipped on boots instead.  My feet were warm, my tattoos were covered, and I felt slightly badass chic. 

Au revoir lovies J

Flight Report - Double Dose

Eek - where did the past week go??  I had a nice Memorial Day weekend post all typed up, and then my camera cord decided to go MIA.  It has yet to resurface, but through my stellar thieving . . .um borrowing skills, I jacked the boy's cord and managed to finally upload these pictures.  So that means that you're going to get a double weekend up-date (I can hear you all gasping with joy out there - double weekend update?! ::said in the sweet "double rainbow" in-awe voice).  

First, last weekend:

Three day weekends are quite possibly the best things ever.  I got to cram in all the fun family/friends/puppy/boyfriend time I wanted, and still had most of the day yesterday to catch up on laundry and my hulu queue.  Perfection.  

Friday night Caleb and I went out to dinner, just the two of us. I wore a dress and drank a frozen cocktail.  He told me I looked beautiful and picked up the tab.  It was a real date date, and it was wonderful.  Afterwards we had a few more cocktails and played cards with friends.  

Saturday morning we got up on the bright bright and hit the farmer's market.  I got the most beautiful bouquet for C's mom, a new house plant, and some fresh strawberries - which we used to top off the waffles and homemade whipped cream we made for breakfast.

We spent the rest of the day by the pool and then grilled out tuna steaks with friends that night.  

Sunday we headed back to our hometown for C's family reunion, followed by a party/cookout on the river.  I spent the day eating way too much good food, playing barefoot soccer and ladder ball with C, and dancing to live music with his Mom (although I did guilt the boy into dancing one song with me).  

The cutie and his Dad - both too cool to look at the camera :)

And now this weekend:

Sadly, Caleb had to work on Saturday, so our Friday night consisted of catching a bit of an outdoor concert before returning home, pizza in hand, and playing cards.

Saturday, after he headed off to work, I managed to pull myself out of bed and into the shower early enough to make the Farmer's Market again.  I got more strawberries, and a lovely lavendar plant for his apartment.  I spent the rest of the day laying out reading by the pool. I felt like kind of a jerk since C was working all day and I was being a total bum . . . but it doesn't take long for sun, swimming, and a good book to make everything better :)

Sunday one of my closest friends came to town to stay with me because she took her LSAT here yesterday.  She wanted to have a relaxing day before her big test so we went and did Bikram Yoga - which is a lot like regular yoga but performed in a 105+ degree room.  It was incredibly intense, but I felt amazing afterwards.  Of course, after doing something so good for our bodies, we decided we needed hot showers, spicy mexican food, and cold beers.  We met up with C and his friend for drinks and wrapped up the amazing weekend.  

I think that about catches us up.  Yay for fun weekends!

And yay for my two favorite boys

Eggs of Inspiration . . .

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"How bold one gets when one is sure of being loved".

 - Sigmund Freud, Letter to fiancée Martha Bernays

Bird Books - "A Long Way Gone by Ishmael Beah"

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I think I've mentioned before how hugely impacted I can be by the books I read.  Often, I am so consumed by a story, character, or tone that it takes over my way of thinking and leaves me feeling a bit not myself for a few days (I find that the remedy is to read something strictly informational or comedic to shift myself back to normal).   Maybe that’s the reason this particular book has sat on my shelves for ages.  It is the true account of a child soldier fighting in the civil war in Sierra Leon.  And every time I was about to begin it I thought “this is going to be incredibly powerful and moving . . . and it’s going to completely screw me up”.  

Well, I was definitely right about the first part.  The story is every bit as horrific, emotional, and triumphant as I imagined it would be.  It chronicles a stolen childhood – riddled by death, fear, and war.  It is utterly unimaginable.  And for that reason, it didn’t affect me in the way I thought it might.  I didn’t dream about the characters or the setting, the narrator’s tone didn’t impact my thought patterns, I didn’t even find myself thinking about it all that much when I wasn’t reading.  This isn’t to say that it wasn’t a good book.  I found myself unable to put it down on numerous occasions.  The author’s prose is rich and descriptive, and I connected with his character (the younger version of himself) and his struggle.  But it was like reading about the Holocaust.  It can feel too cruel unreal.  And I, sitting in my warm bed, completely safe and comfortable, cannot accurately picture a life spent in the African jungle - deprived a sleep, food, family - high on a combination cocaine and adrinaline, with only the purpose being killing and surviving.  

I can sympathize.  I can be horrified.  But I cannot fully imagine that pain. Maybe that means I'm emotionally limited, or lacking imagination.  Maybe you should read this incredible book and get back to me on how it affected you.

Plumage - Blazing a Trail

Tank: American Eagle.  Jeans: Tommy Hilfiger.  Blazer: Thrifted.  Shoes: Thrifted.  Necklace: jewelry maker in West VA. 

So this is my first blazer.  Ever.  I found it in my favorite thrift store a few weeks ago (when my brother was visiting).  And I love it.  It's corduroy, with a soft, silky lining, and (as I hope this pictures illustrate) it fits me perfectly.  I also paid $12 for it.  That's a plus.  

Oh and the shoes are my first pair of loafers.  Ever.  Also thrifted.  I believe I paid a whopping $2.50 for them.   

I realize that I am bragging, and for that I apologize.  I just love thrifting so much now.  It saves me so much money, and I always have fun, new-to-me pieces to work into my wardrobe.  It's also eco-friendly and if you shop at places like Goodwill and SPCA Rummage, the money goes to a great cause.  I avidly recommend it to all of you . . . well all of you that don't live in the same town as me.  I don't want you picking over my treasures . . .

A-musings: Independence

Whenever I begin to write one of these posts I begin to doubt myself.  I worry that I will come across sounding dumb or inarticulate, or maybe just horrible naïve and cliché.  I am scared that I will be bad at expressing myself and not get my point across, or worse – my point won’t be particularly well-thought-through and I will wind up offending or simply disinterest someone who I would really admire and would want to impress.  It’s just that the blogging world is really intimidating.  On the style blogging front, there are so many beautiful women out there, putting together creative outfits, and capturing them in artsy photos in beautiful locations.  And beyond the fashion world, things get even more scary.  There are all these highly educated, intelligent, well-spoken people writing ingenious posts on everything from food to travel to feminism.  And I’m just me.  Trying to get my haphazard outfits and thoughts out there, partially for my own benefit, and in part to break into this amazing community and possibly make some friendships and connections.  But it’s daunting.  You all are just so freaking cool. 

But I shall carry on. 

Today, what’s on my mind (in part stemming from all that self-doubt I just referred to – hey, where is that ‘my butt looks awesome’ girl?  I think she needs to come back and give this present self a good talking to) is independence, specifically female independence in the context of a relationship.  I’m currently reading Gail Collins’ book “When Everything Changed” (a praise-gushing review will follow once I make my way through the 400+ pages) which is about the struggles and triumphs of the women’s rights movement from 1960 to today.  It’s got me thinking.  I’m one of those girls who has basically always been in a relationship.  I “dated” (by too-young-to-drive high school standards) several different guys briefly in 9^th and 10^th grade, before getting into a 4 year relationship that spanned the end of high school and my first two years of college.  Then I immediately jumped into another (partially long distant, on-and-off, and quite toxic) relationship for the final two years of college and the summer that followed.  I was single for a grand total of 2 months before I started seeing THE boy.  And while others out there may disagree, I don’t see this pattern as particularly detrimental to my overall development.   I did all the things single girls do during the ‘off’ times in my former relationship, and I have always been a very strong-willed, self-aware kind of girl in the first place.  I never felt that I needed to be in a relationship, I just always wound up “clicking” with people shortly after a previous connection “un-clicked”. 

Annny-hoo, even though I think I am a perfectly capable, well-rounded young woman despite my constant non-single status, I have noticed certain trends that I think may stem from always having a significant other (specifically a male S.O.) in my life.  Specifically, when I have never done something before, my first inclination is to ask someone to do it with me.  Even if said person has no expertise and can offer nothing else but moral support in the situation, I still typically ask for help.  But I’ve come to realize that this is sort-of silly (I mean it makes sense – but it isn’t necessary).  I’m using another person (usually my boyfriend) as a security blanket – which in and of itself isn’t so bad, but the problem arises when I have to take the plunge and dive into any given unfamiliar situation on my own.  I get freaked out.  I begin to doubt myself (ah-hah! Maybe that’s why this whole blogging thing is so scary – I’m on my own out here).   I worry that I will make a complete fool out of myself and not have any one to turn to and laugh with (which magically turns any embarrassing situation into a funny story/inside joke to share later).  The thing is though, I have done plenty of scary, new things on my own by now (take my car to the mechanic, apply/interview/land a new job, travel to France, and start this blog – just to name a few of the most terrifying) and for the most part, things turned out just fine.  I often make a fool out of myself (especially when calling someone I don’t know - if they call me, I’m fine, but if I’m the one doing the dialing, my tongue turns to gak [oooh gak – sweet 90’s reference – I tried to make a ‘gak hat’ on several occasions which always resulted in getting the green goo stuck in my hair and crying as my mom tried to get it out without chopping all my hair off]).  But, I just wind up laughing at myself, and sometimes share the story with a friend or S.O. later, thus creating the same funny story/inside joke scenario.

More often than not, I discover that I’m completely capable of doing anything on my own.  So, all the “security person” does is put off the inevitable – getting comfortable doing things solo.  It is incredible to have people (be it friends, family, or a S.O.) to lean on for support when things get rough, but I’m going to try (a mid-year resolution of sorts) to be more discerning as to when I actually need support, and when I’m just a little nervous.  It’s the difference between actual pain and mild discomfort.  Being uncomfortable is good for me.  It’s like working out – that slight ache means that I’m getting stronger.  Mental note, go to the gym . . .

Eggs of Inspiration . . .

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"Do I contradict myself?  Very well, then I contradict myself, I am large, I contain multitudes."

- Walt Whitman

Plumage - Ink Incognito

Although I really hate to play favorites, I have to say that this outfit is one of the best I’ve put together in recent weeks.  It includes my favorite cardigan, new shoes, a thrift find, and a remixed piece – what could be more perfect?

Cardigan: F21; Top: Anthro dress worn as top; Skirt: thrifted; Shoes: Limelight; Necklace: Gift.

I felt beautiful and feminine, yet still professional and mature.  And thanks to a few new pairs of shoes that cover my feet tattoos (I try not to show them off in the office, and have resorted to lots of tights, socks, and pants) I could rock bare legs on this warm Spring day. 

I just realized that even though I’ve referenced them several times, I have yet to show y'all pics of my tats.  So here they are in all their inky glory.

Clover, lower back, age 16.

Celtic cross, right foot, age 18.

Lily, left foot, age 20

Deceased Grandfather’s initials, right foot above cross, age 21.

I have plans in the works for a fifth and perhaps final piece on my side/back.  I am having my little brother draw it up for me.  And what is it going to be?  What else?  A magpie :)

Flight Report - Turn the Page

Well my roommate has officially moved out, leaving a very empty apartment (I didn’t realize how much of our shared spaced she had furnished), and a very sad puppy in her wake.  I will still get to see her once more before she embarks on her 2 year Ecuadorian adventure, so the utter devastation has yet to begin (although I did spend quite a bit of time crying my eyes out on Friday as I rearranged my sparse furnishings).  Caleb was also out of town visiting family, so my weekend was quiet, a bit lonely, and appropriately rainy.  I powered my way through a lengthy hulu queue and spent a lot of time curled up under covers reading. 

I gave him a bowl of ice to cheer him up.  He loves crunching up the cubes – it’s very convenience that I can use them as “treats”.

I did grab breakfast with one of my close friends on Saturday.   She is returning to live with her parents this summer and is headed off to law school in the fall (seriously, people need to stop leaving – immediately) so I had to say a temporary good-bye to her as well.  Luckily, the boy returned home on Sunday morning.  We had an epic card game over a leisurely brunch which did wonders at improving my mood. 

All-in-all it was a nice weekend and I was grateful for some solo time, but it is going to take a while to get used to this whole living alone thing.  It really makes me appreciate how lucky I am to have such amazing friends, and how special this past year really was. 

Now, on to a new chapter.  Maybe I’ll take up painting?  I definitely need something  to hang on the walls. 

A-musings: Body Love

A very nice woman in my office made a very off-handed comment yesterday that for some reason lodged itself in my brain and is still on my mind today.  Here’s the simplified version of how the convo went down:

Very Nice Woman (VNW - in reference to our company’s new intern):   “She is just way too cute for us”

Me (joking):  “Hey! I think I should be offended by that  haha”

VNW:  “Haha noo, you are adorable!  She is just one of those 2-dimentional people ::holds up pinkie to indicate how skinny said girl is:: that makes us all look bad”

Now I wasn’t actually offended by her comment, it has just lead to a lot of self and societal reflection (the extent of which I haven’t really delved into since my college sociology and gender study classes) and I thought it might be best to get some of these tangential thoughts down in order to help me clear my head.    

I am one of those American women who isn’t actively trying to lose weight.  Sure, I am getting back in the habit of going to the gym, and I am trying to cut out processed foods from my diet as much as possible.   If I happen to drop 5 or 10 pounds from doing this I would be pleased, but my motivating factor is my health and well-being, not my dress size or the number on the scale.  In fact, I think about what it would be like to lose 20 pounds, and at first I am intrigued.  I would still be within my healthy weight range, and I would definitely be able to wear certain fashion trends more confidently (I’m talking to you bandeau tops and see-thru lace), but then I think about how none of my clothes would fit properly anymore . . . and my butt.  I can’t tell you how much I adore my rear end.  I realize that sounds completely conceited and more than a little weird, but there it is.  I have a great ass, and I definitely don’t want to lose it.   

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I started developing curves around the time that big butts became a big deal.   Bootylicious was not just a hit song (and eventually a dictionary-defined term), but a coveted compliment.  Sweat pants with “juicy” written across the back side became a trend (admittedly, a tacky one, but a trend none the less).  And although the whole idea of “fashionable” body specifics is itself a huge problem (particularly since it is usually derived from or applied to attracting a man), hitting puberty at a time when curvy women were “in” did marvelous things for my self-esteem.   I love my body.  Particularly my lower, thicker half.  Sure, we have had our fights (usually under the poor lighting of a dressing room and involving a pair of skinny jeans that looked soooo chic on the mannequin), but then I see my butt and legs in a pair of cut-off shorts and all is forgiven.  I’ve also come to realize that absolutely nothing in my life is going to change if I wake up one day and suddenly my thighs don’t touch.  If anything, I am going to generate a lot less friction heat in my day-to-day activities and be even more cold-natured than I already am.    

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I'm so pleased that flares are back on the fashion scene.  I never traded them (or my trusty boot-cuts and widelegs) in for these leg-huggers anyways.

I understand that this post sounds like little more than me bragging about my body, and if that bores you to tears, I’m sorry.  But these are all the things I wish I could’ve said in response to that comment yesterday (without coming across as the office crazy).  And we should all be bragging more.  While we’re at it, why  is it only “acceptable” to brag about the parts that seem to break beauty standards?  I have a great, toned stomach, and big, brown eyes which I also love.  And any thin girls out there with thick hair and big boobs should feel free to brag as well!  I guess that’s my point.  There should be more body love and bragging out there, whether we match the current body standards or not.  The new intern is beautiful.  She is short and petite and rocks a sundress and tiny ankles like nobody’s business.  And the VNW in my office is also beautiful.  She walks every day on her lunch break and has some seriously toned legs that I hope she is very, very proud of.  But neither of these women “make me look bad”.  I look awesome.  Especially from behind :)