Snuggle Day

I have done the following today:
1. Slept waaaay in.
2. Watched some Jimmy Fallon in bed with my Guy.
3. Sorted, but did not wash clothes.
4. Haphazardly sucked up dust bunnies.
5. Rotated winter and summer wardrobes in my closet.
6. Dog Park visit. Pup needed it.
7. Crawled back into bed to snuggle more after I forcibly did this:

Longest. Days. Ever.

I worked today, but I wore jeans today, dangit. It's the Halloween Party at Valhalla, the grad bar, tonight and I decided to stay home, but I just snapped a pretty rockin' picture of my Guy and Bromance as... well, you'll see.

Jeans: Gap Perfect Boot...Button down: Gap...Blazer: TInley Road via Piperlime...Shoes: Naturalizer

Kip and Uncle Rico are waiting for them at the bar. Magic in the making.

I think I'll dress up for normal Valhalla Sunday tomorrow. Happy Halloween Weekend!

Windy Day

The overnight temperature dropped down to 47 last night. I can layer! And I was a little bit "harumpf-y" when I got back in with the dog following a morning walk, so I showered in a lava pit, scrambled to my closet and threw on an assortment of colors that caught my eye. It didn't turn out too bad, either. Although, I don't think one can go wrong with a cheerful cardigan under a tweed blazer.

Today is going to be WILD. There are 3 major artworks arriving today for installation at boss lady's house. There's forklifts, installers running around everywhere, oversized sculptures. Crazy!

Pants: Gap...Cardigan: Target...Blazer: Gap...Scarf: thrifted...Shoes: Nine West Outlet

Lazy Bum

I have officially jumped on the maxi dress as appropriate daywear bandwagon. I've had this thrifted tomato red maxi dress for ages and, with a low-cut back and plunging neckline, have been unable to style it. After yesterday, which was far and away the worst day I've had in a long time (boss lady yelled at me for reminding her of all the to-do's on her list- "Don't pressure me about all that. I  know what needs to be done. grumblegrumblegrumble." Not cool, huh? In my defense, she's been saying for 8 straight days that she would pick up artwork that I need in my possession to photograph and write descriptions for the auction catalog, which really ought to go to print on Monday of next week.) and I decided I would really prefer to show up to work in pj's today. This is the closest I can get. Geez, I'm a whiner. Sorry, ladies.

Dress: thrifted...Sweater: J Crew (Merino wool!) via Buffalo Exchange...Shoes: Chacos...Scarf: Gap

This is my crabby face.

Next week simply has to be better. Not much I can do about the catalog once it's off to print.

Lamest Posts on the Planet

I WILL continue daily documentation. I will not post about interesting things. Sorry, guys.

I got home from work at 10:15 pm. Blugh. But I was all wound up, so I decided to cut and dye my hair. I'm back to a happy cool brown rather than brassy ick. And I'm working my way toward growing out the yucky chopped layers (check out the second photo). So I used texturizing shears to blend and cut, which is messy, but more natural. Not bad for an at-home cut.

Pants: Gap...Sweater: J Crew Outlet...Shoes: Nine West Outlet...Scarf: thrifted

Plaid and Mustard

I have to stop myself on many many mornings from reaching for this cardigan. I love that it's sort of yellow, sort of burnished gold, sort of baby-food mush. Described that way, it really doesn't sound great. But. it. is. And I would wear it with everything, but that's impractical and may get boring. So, I'll keep slapping my own hand away as I reach for it. P.S.- this skirt is a hoot. I also really need to quit with the granny skirt purchases from thrift stores. It's an addiction.

Skirt: thrifted...Blouse: Ann Taylor, thrifted...Cardigan: Target...Shoes: Steve Madden...Belt: thrifted...Necklace: Banana Republic...Earrings: Banana Republic

Normal (Crazed) Workday

There is no such thing as a normal workday 'round here. It's 3:00, I have no lunch time in sight, but 5 minutes to post, I can handle that.

Skirt: Banana Republic via Buffalo Exchange... Button down: Target...Cardigan: Target...Belt: Thrifted...Bracelet: J Crew Necklace...Shoes: Nine West via Buffalo

Eeeeeeeeee! Wish me luck on these next two weeks. See you all manana.

Weekend Recap

I think I need to invest in a new sewing machine, which breaks my heart. A few weeks ago, I was tailoring a skirt and BAM! Something jammed and the wheel won't turn more than halfway. Nothing is visibly stuck in a gear. My machine is an early 80's gem that is built into a table, but the repair cost is too high to justify right now. So I might buy a little Singer for my alterations for now and cough up the cash for repairs when I get into projects of more substance (not likely to happen while my Guy is still in school and we're still living in 520 square feet. Alterations are all I have room for). So, that's on the docket for today: locate a new machine because...

My thrift finds this weekend are magic. And I want to wear them ASAP. Namely my ridiculous rodeo-print wrap skirt. And the fruit skirt from a few weeks ago.

Aaaaanyway, this weekend has been nice. Friday I got home super late, so we ate burgers from our favorite dive (It's called Lucky Burger- you can order a side of fries or fried rice. And the sweet Taiwanese owner lady knows my name). We watched PCU with a friend and zonked out early.
Saturday morning was lazy and wonderful and my Guy started on cover letters and CV revision for job applications. I left around lunch to thrift with a girlfriend who won a French Horn job at the San Antonio Symphony. It was my first time to this place called "The Guild Shop"- it. was. insane. I will spend the entire time it's open one day and just sift through the jewelry. I didn't even touch it yesterday, there was too much. And everything is in a case, so you have to take a number to go through it with a volunteer. We hit up the Salvation Army afterwards. HUGE, but the prices were awfully high. I found a leather skirt, but put it back. $19? I don't think so. I'll wait until green tag day. The evening was spent watching Halloween-y movies at Bromance's place. Taco dip and Chex Mix. I stuffed myself silly.
And today is chill. I'm taking another girlfriend up to the most 80's thrift store ever and we're hunting for costumes for her. This is the most social I've been in ages.

Saturday:

Jeans: Gap...Button down: Target...Shoes: Naturalizer...Bag: via Buffalo Exchange

Halloween-y Movie Night:

Seriously, how silly is this? Dress: Thrifted...Tee: J Crew Outlet...Belt: Gap...Shoes: Chacos

 Sunday:

Jeans: Gap...Tee: J Crew Outlet...Cardigan: J Crew Outlet... Bag: via Buffalo Exchange...Shoes: Chacos

Enjoy the rest of your weekend. Rest up and I'll see you tomorrow!

It'll be 84 F today, Oops.

I picked out this outfit last night and by the time I was wearing it and ready to snap some photos, my Guy said, "Oh, boy! High of 84 today!" Oops. I'll just sweat, I guess. I love the mix of black, brown, grey, color, texture. I think if it really were to be cold outside today, a pair of tights would make this outfit darn near perfect. Midi-nubby knit skirt, a little flowy silk in the blouse, color, scarf. Love.

Skirt: Thrifted...Blouse: Banana, thrifted...Cardigan: Target...Shoes: MaxStudio.com, thrifted...Scarf: Gap...Belt: thrifted...Bag: via Buffalo Exchange

Earrings: gift from friends in Tucson. I think these were made by a local artist, but I never got her name.

Two fun stories about my feet: 1. These shoes were my very first designer find at a thrift shop (MaxStudio). I bought them two years ago and today is the first time during fall months that I've felt confident enough in my high-heel walking skills to actually wear them. The black and brown combo, the cut-out, the peep toe, the thicker heel. They're so fall-chic.
2. My toenails are actually painted with a very dark purple and a plum colored crackle over, they're not gross and deteriorating. The crackle is a ridiculous terrible-for-you concoction I found at a discount market in Beijing. The formula is so stinky, you just know you should restrict use to once a year or risk cancer. I'm going to rock this crackle pedi for as long as I can, it's not coming back for a while.

I plan to thrift like crazy tomorrow because my next two weekends will be a total bust until the Gala is over. I have a day-long adventure planned out, I hope it will be successful. It better be, I have 4 shops on my short list.

See y'all manana. I promise to put clothing on. I can't afford another hideous repeat of last weekend's pajama fest. My guy was so embarrassed for me.

Black 'n Blue

Today's look is duuuuuull. And I'm over it. Between now and November 5, I will be running around like a headless chicken.

Pants: Gap...Buttondown: J Crew, thrifted...Sweater: Gap...Shoes: Naturalizer... Earrings: gift

REASON: It's Gala Season.

And Boss Lady has seized control of a lot of things and I'm doing my best to wring information out of her about what auction items she's been in communication about, what items she stranded at the other office that I need to photograph and document, what items are lurking up in her room that I need to document, photograph and take to the other office... She's been weirdly secretive about a lot of things and then gets angry that not more is complete and documented for the auction. Well, we don't know the items exist yet, please share whatcha know and we'll coordinate our efforts. Why isn't so-and-so's art here yet? Oh, we're getting something from them? Hooray, glad to hear it.

And on and on. My poor Guy is lonely and hungry all the time lately- I'm gone from 8:30 am - 8:00 pm more days than not. It's gettin' crazy and I kind of hate it. Mostly because Boss Lady insists I wallow in a very specific vortex of responsibility and then I have to catch up like crazy when I finally get some information about a part of a different task that is attached to a mucho time consuming project. I hate playing catch up, but when the information hasn't been given to you, you do the best you can. ReallyReallyFast. Sorry it's a bad attitude day.

I want a cheeseburger.

He's Here!

My very best friend gave birth to this beautiful baby boy last night! My Guy aaaaaaaaaalmost had birthday buddy. Quintin (who will go by Quin) was born at 1:20 am, 6 lbs 2 oz and 19" of cute. Her husband said she did great and stayed calm all the way through labor. I am beyond excited that the little peanut is finally here!

I couldn't ask for a more loyal and loving friend. She has the perfect sense of balance between hope and the real world. Diagnosed with fibromyalgia at THIRTEEN, she had to give up competitive horse riding. But, she cheerfully shifted her focus to art and design. I met her in college, we were both in the Interior Design program. We bonded over modern art, sarcasm and a love for nature. She physically aches and hurts daily, but she does little more than state simply "Well, I don't feel so hot today." And that's the end of it. You've gotta admire a woman who has to deal with the strains of a disease like that and who doesn't dwell. I am so proud of her for getting though this pregnancy. And happy I got her weekly stories of "the little alien poking around in there."

This is New Years two years ago- my Guy teases her relentlessly about the fuzzy pink bathrobe he's happily stolen for the occasion.

A big HOORAY and hug to my dear friend, new mommy extraordinaire.

Fall Neutrals

 **Before I even get to my outfit today- keep your eyes open for another post full of goodness a little later today!**

I've done some color mixing and pattern matching the last few weeks, but today I needed something a little more familiar- mixing neutrals. My dad teases me relentlessly that I'll turn out just like my mom (too late- already have) and get stuck in a rut of khaki and white shirts, that I have a sick knack for picking up 70's inspired blouses that "mom already owned one just like that!" I'm over it. My mom isn't stylish- she's a tomboy at heart and would more happily spend the day covered in soil, clad in crappy jeans than in a designer sheath dress, but I did glean a little style inspiration from her- the insistance that if it doesn't move with you and do what you need it to do, don't wear it. And buy it in tan.

Cue this outfit: I'm a sucker for jackets, even though I have a heckuva time with a good fit. This one is a microchevron tweed in ivory and dark dark brown. The dress is my recent Target goodie in a black and light tan animal/stippling print. Add a little cognac as "color" and SHABAM, I have neutral on neutral outfit with good movement, a few of my favorite pieces and mom-approved function.

Dress: Target...Blazer: Gap...Boots: Thrifted...Belt: Thrifted

Oh my Gosh, they noticed me!!

Because it's up to a big, whopping !THREE! shout outs that I'm aware of, I would like to take a moment to thank the following fab ladies for giving me major self esteem points. No award was created for this, but I just needed a way to say thanks.

1. The lovely and ever-encouraging Kayla of Freckles in April, hostess of the way fun 21 Day Challenge. I got a mention as one of her faves. Swoon. And I decided to start blogging juuuuust in time to take part in the challenge, which was a perfect way to ease into daily documentation and writing about what I slithered into for the day.

2. Erica of North Meets South, who is always so cheerful in her photos, admits to pushing her own boundaries and is cleeeearly enjoying this adventure of diving into the blogging world. I hope my blog turns into something as fun and funny as hers is.

3. New-to-Me Emily of Emily's Going Nuts. She's a story teller, a chuckle-inducing observer of all kinds of life stuff. And her Outfit MO is so far, in my opinion "For Real Cute/Professional Put-Together Without Trying Too Hard".

Girlies, thank you for sucking me into a state of self-importance. It happens so rarely, it's kind of fun.

Happy Birthday to my Guy

He's officially in his LATE 20's. (Cue ominous organ chord) I love celebrating his birthday because he's so cheerfully into it. I adore his zest for life, his excitement about adventures to come, new experiences, making new friends. He enjoys celebrating his accomplishments as well as his plans. And I like to spoil him rotten, so it is a great day for the both of us.

I asked him this morning what he thought I should wear in celebration. Blue or red? Blue. Skirt, dress or pants? Skirt. Any other input? Tegan and Sara stripes.

Good music...

My husband wants me to dress like the LA lesbian rocker crowd. They're hotties, I'm okay with that.

So, here you have it: a profesh version of Tegan and Sara stripes. If only my hair would do all the same magical things when it's that short... I'd cut it in a heartbeat.

Skirt: Thrifted...Top: Banana Outlet...Blazer: Gap...Shoes: Mrkt via DSW...Crazed Hair: c/o early morning construction outside of our bathroom window. I didn't want to be seen primping by creepers for too long.

Hey, Kate, quit yapping in the middle of photos.

How do you celebrate your loved one? I feed mine mass quantities of sushi at our favorite dirt cheap dive. And cart him off to a dive/neighborhood bar. When I told my Guy of these plans, I think he squealed with joy. It's almost as though I "get" him or somethin'...

Invitation Day!

It's fiiiiinally invitation stuffing day for the Gala. (I linked to the non-profit a little here.) We had so many errors in this poor invitation, it's not at all as we intended, but we want them outta here. But, in celebration of the day and in preparation for a 13 hour workday (I'm not even joking), I am wearing my orange for the Orange Show and jeans for 'cuz I want to. Yeah, I know I'm totally defiant- wearing jeans during the work week.

Jeans: Gap...Buttondown: J Crew Outlet...Cardigan: Banana...Shoes: Nine West Outlet...Earrings: vintage Tibetan

I am also ashamed to admit that I got "for real" dressed ONCE this entire weekend. Sunday Potluck Dinner with Composer friends. I thought I would give a little pattern mixing a shot. I also tried a cream skirt with leopard flats... I don't know if I made the right decision or not. Is this one too out there? 

 

And last but not least: my Thrifting treasures. I went out in yoga pants to go hunting for these and I'm over it. The first skirt falls just below my knees and is perfectly slim. I love the deep, subtle plaid. The next one is waaaaay awkward in length, I need to pick a few seams and hem it about 1 1/2-2" higher. It has pockets, though. The fruit skirt is so cheerful, I can wait to slim the hips and wear this next spring. The black skirt is a little long, but the shape is a slim A-line, which will be very pretty this winter with boots. Last, a ridiculous Lauren Ralph Lauren gold cable weave boatneck sweater. Because for $2, why not? I can get behind a totally weird sweater for that price. I may even end up loving it rather than just liking it. For $2, you have to give things a chance.

Cozy Friday

This JCrew cable knit sweater was one of my happiest fall-specific secondhand finds to date. It's cozy, but lightweight, the perfect warm color, and it's CABLEKNIT. Big ol' win.

As I mentioned, last night was the collaborative recital... I left work and took boss lady's grandson home after tutoring and then planned to stop at the bank for cash. Well, I hit a chunk of concrete and had to change a tire in a pencil skirt. Thank goodness I made it to the bank parking lot. And I made it to the recital on time.

Anyway, it's Friday and it's bound to be a simpler day. I plan to photograph a lot of the donated art for the auction, and how bad can one's day be if it involves playing around in art? While wearing plaid.

Pants: Zara...Buttondown: Gap...Sweater: J Crew via Buffalo Exchange...Shoes: MaxStudio via DSW

My Guy and Poet