Standing Out on St. Patty's

I was so hopeful these jeans would fit still. I bought them on clearance in a size above my normal and dryer shrunk the crap out of them the last few years pre-pregnancy. Now that my hips got all wide and funky, they're a little too tight, but I couldn't not wear them- this springy color combination was begging for white jeans. And the most fun part is this weird little scarf in my hair has been my St. Patrick's Day go-to little bit of green(it has green cherries and little fuchsia vines on it) for years and years now and I just decided to go for the loud and bright complimentary look. And all my adorably reserved office mates thought it was the most awesome thing ever.

So, moral of the story is this: in the last week of work, wear whatever you want to and all your colleagues and every other Chinese person on campus will stare unabashedly at you and your pregnant belly. No disguising being one of the only white girls working at the University and dressing up anyway, let alone sporting a huge baby bump, so give 'em all something spring-like to stare at.

Worn over and over and over

Sweet Audrey of the deservedly popular Putting Me Together is hosting... One Piece Many Ways. And since I've been sweating my way through most of the crappy looks I've been wearing, taking a walk down memory lane seemed like fun.

So... what have I worn the crap out of?

  

  

  

This maroon skirt is so easy to grab and go when I'm feeling rushed, and it works with the majority of my tops. Does it create looks that are super diverse? Maybe not. But it's a great basic and easy to wear. Blacks work, tans work, greys work, leopard, turquoise, orange, crisp white, taupe, bright red. A nice, plum maroon skirt is one of the few bottoms other than jeans that made the cut when I purged and moved my little wardrobe. And I wore it through all four seasons. 

What are you wearing the daylights out of? Is it easy to remix or is it a statement piece that you feel great in? I want to know!

Wrapping Up

Skirt: Target...Tee: J Crew Factory...Scarf: TJ Maxx...Belt: Target...Shoes: Naturalizer...Bag: Longchamp knockoff

It's been so. darn. cold in our office the last month. AC is my nemesis. My fingers are literally freezing after having them exposed and elevated to work on the computer. Solution? Dress like it's early spring: lighter, happy colors, worn in pretty extreme layers (there's totally two long sleeved shirts going on up there), along with an oversized scarf. Oh, yeah, and then die of heat stroke once you step out into Houston's 96 F, 80% humidity afternoon weather.


Guys, it's my very last day at work today. It wasn't all sunshine and rainbows, and I'm definitely glad to be trotting off to China soon.

I won't say I'm not a little sad. This job has had its challenges- grants writing (but mostly grants reporting on Education and programs which I know nothing about) is hard. And diving into it with no prior experience and being given very little training made it tougher. But, I was surrounded by really good people, extraordinary work being accomplished, and, if nothing else, I was part of a shift in the the energy of the office after a few years of tricky office dynamics and leadership. If nothing else, I contributed to creating a cheerful and positive culture and working relationships. Was the position itself my best fit? Probably not. The Gala, streamlined branding and templates, and positive energy are things I'm proud to put my name on, though.

But, as of today at 5:00, I'm unemployed. Rather, I'm officially on vacation. Rob and I are going on a cruise to Belize, Isla Roatan, and Cozumel. And then we get one final week to soak up friend time and finish painting and cleaning this apartment that's been home for four years.

And then three weeks stuffed full of family time! I just saw my family during my brother's HS graduation a few short weeks ago, but I'm beyond excited for this.

And then we're getting onto a plane to move halfway across the world.

Move. Across the world.



Whoa.

Brights

Skirt, Cardigan, Belt, Scarf: Target...Shoes: Nine West via Buffalo Exchange...Bag: Longchamp knockoff

Ever have one of those looks where you think it's a cheerful flurry of color and then you realize it's really just a matter of wearing skittles? Or jelly beans. Yup, that happened. The candy-colored rainbow barfed all over me and I wore it to work. I suppose that's what I get when I have all my favorite neutrals packed away into a duffel bag and I'm left with the collection of "I don't reeeeally know if I want to keep it for the move" bits and pieces of bright.

I would apologize for going MIA so often, but I really haven't been feeling like blogging lately. Because it's too soon to really talk about our upcoming move to Suzhou, China (I could only tell you about adventures in banking and making arrangements for a Penske truck rental to get our crap back to Ohio. And I can't really talk about life because it's been a series of busy weeks and a funny cycle of doing the same things with the same friends overandoverandover because we want to pack in as much time with them as we can. And I can't really talk about work because... well, it's just work. I'm writing a lot of grant reports.

Okay, well, I guess you guys are all caught up! Thanks for stickin' around in this really weird phase of life.

Saved. For Now.

Skirt: Target...Blouse: Target...Belt: Target...Shoes: Steve Madden...Bag: Longchamp knockoff

We're gearing up for a big big big month. And I'm tired already!

One MAJOR grant due in two weeks, a LOI due the same day, another grant due in three weeks, arranging musician and performers for the gala, menus to replan, decor to check in on, auction items to confirm, speeches to write. At least the bulk of it will be done by April 11.

I'm trying to bring a few pieces of clothing back into rotation, give them a secondary test run. I'm going to get brutal with my wardrobe since we are taking minimal things overseas with us. This blouse is probably going to make the cut, mostly because it looks so good with light and white bottoms. And a long sleeved light-weight blouse is never a bad thing for travel. So, tan oxford shirt, congratulations,  you made it through another round of closet purges.

A Walk on the Wild Side

Skirt: Target...Blouse: Banana Republic, thrifted...Cardigan: J Crew Outlet...Belt: Gap...Jacket: BB Dakota via Piperlime...Necklace: Target...Shoes: Naturalizer...Bag: Longchamp knockoff

I didn't write about it yesterday, but our Zoo visit on Sunday was goooooood. This time of year down south means bright mornings, crisp, but temperate weather, happy families and, most importantly, comfortable and active critters at the Zoo.

What we saw:
A Clouded Leopard climbed over 18 feet up the side of his wire mesh enclosure
Mommy and Baby Gibbon screaming their heads off (Vocalizing- it's a morning ritual that we've never managed to see in person so far)
The male Tiger stood on his back legs and scratched at a tree and then let out a few growly grunts before taking a nap
The lazy fatty fat spotted leopard awoke suddenly from a nap and ran to the far end of his enclosure to check if the dead rat snack lady had a goodie for him
An assortment of bears taking naps with their faces unceremoniously and adorably smashed into the ground
A Caracal letting out the most adorable little mini-bobcat sounds. Think: angry house cat yowl meets baby lion growl

Buying a zoo membership was proooobably the best thing I did in 2012. And I don't think that's too steep of an exaggeration.

Holiday Look Link Up

Skirt: Target...Turtleneck: J Crew Factory...Blazer: J Crew via Buffalo Exchange...Belt: Target...Shoes: Steve Madden...Bag: Longchamp knockoff

Festive, bright, but not blatant? Huzzah! This blazer may be more versatile than I was expecting it to be.

We had an awesome night with neighbors last evening! We were supposed to do a potluck outside in the courtyard, but the temps are dropping (overnight low of 33!! last night) and we didn't want to freeze our buns, so we aaaalmost cancelled. And that would have been a bummer, so 10 of us and 3 dogs packed into our place, gathered a bunch of tasty food, sipped wine, chatted, and enjoyed each others' company for the evening. What an awesome jumpstart on the holiday weekend! (P.S.- I'm glad the Mayans were wrong.)

So, what have you been wearing or plotting for Holiday Festive Wear? Link it up and meet some new friends! The link's going aaaaaall the way through next week- hook up your day of Christmas look, Saturday party looks, whatever you want.

Here's the rules for the Holiday Look Link Up:
Follow The Perpetual Student's Wife (via Google Friend Connect or BlogLovin')
Link the URL to a specific recent-ish post showing off your favorite holiday themed or holiday party look.
Link back to The Perpetual Student's Wife so your new friends can navigate easily.
Ummm.... that's it! Can't wait to see what you all are rockin' for Holiday Festivities.

Back Again

Skirt: Target...Blouse: Target...Blazer: Express (old)...Tights: Gap...Belt: thrifted...Shoes: Naturalizer

This is from Monday, when I thought I was intended to sit in on a very big deal meeting to ask a potential big wig honoree to join our Benefit. Nope. It was 20 'til the meeting, I went to the director's office to ask about driving together or separate and she was nowhere to be found and responded to my text inquiry with a big fat "No, but wish us luck." Oh, well. At least we got the honoree's YES!

And my Guy is HOME! I picked him up late late late last night after he had a 5 hour layover in Chicago. During which he posted photos to Facebook of his trip. And my mom and I conference-called a viewing of them. He is not a photo-taker, but I'm so glad he remembered to keep the camera out and get some images of the place that maaaaybe could be our next home. I guess we'll know in early January!

MVP

Skirt: Target...Button Down: Target...Sweater: Gap...Belt: stolen from sister in Middle School...Shoes: MaxStudio via DSW...Trench: Target...Bag: D&B via Buffalo Exchange

Nothin' better than a thick leather belt. Oh, yeah, there is. One that you've stolen from your little sister. Which has been broken in to perfection. That you used to wear around your hips. Because you stole it in Junior High. I think this silly belt would make it onto my top 20 most valued belongings list. I don't wear it often, but every time I do, it's a good day.

Also on my list of Most Valuable Possessions are the first Christmas gift my brother made for me (it's a drawing of a ladybug with a photo of him in a ladybug costume, laminated and with magnets on it), my pearl earrings thoughtfully selected by my sister when she first moved to Beijing, a collection of Hull Brownware from my grandma (I drink out of the enormous "root beer mug" at least three times a week), a tee shirt and hideous wool blend sweater from the 80's from each of my parents, Essie In Stiches polish, my cotton blanket (each family member has been gifted one!), my cedar chest/coffee table... some good stuff.

What's on your list of favorite possessions? I love knowing what is near and dear to people, like a litmus test of some sort... and there's usually a fun story behind it, too!

I just found a new Monday LinkUp- #YOLOmondays over at Still Being Molly. It looks like it will be a fun, uplifiting cocktail of links. Looking forward to it!

With Thanks

Skirt: Target...Blouse: thrifted...Cardigan: Target...Jacket: Armani Exchange via Buffalo Exchange...Shoes: Naturalizer...Belt: Gap

The day before Thanksgiving! I'm so excited. There is really no better holiday, in my book. Birthday? Pffft, just the marker of another year of limping along in all the big life-goal stuff. Christmas. Too much shopping and sugar. Halloween? Too much effort in dressing up (if you're into it) and too much sugar. Valentines? Barf, I can't stand the sappy sweet romantic gooey sentiment. 4th of July? Eh, fireworks and picnics are okay... But, THANKSGIVING. Spend time with people you like. Connect with people you love. Eat a delicious dead bird and whatever other tasty, roasty, oven-prepared goodies you feel like making. Giggle with your favorite people, snuggle on the couch for a while, call a few more far-flung family members, remember what a GIFT this lifetime is, revel in the tiny, ridiculous moments, cherish and appreciate small pleasures, big accomplishments, hopes and dreams. And then eat a piece of pie. Because, puhlease, that's the best part.

Happiest Thanksgiving, you all! I'm SO incredibly grateful for this community!

Check out Pleated Poppy's What I Wore Wednesday and Rolled Up Pretty's Whatever Whenever Wednesday. I'm linkin'!

Good Stuff

Pants: Gap Really Skinny...Blouse: Target...Cardigan...thrifted...Shoes: Kenneth Cole Reaction...Bag: D&B via Buffalo Exchange

Worn one Friday ago to herd two sessions of 300+ 7th & 8th graders into and out of an experience at the University of Houston Opera House. No joke. a bunch of middle schoolers got totally pumped to see a comedic opera. It was awesome.

I'm also just going to say that Target really killed it this past season- my pencil skirts, a handful of scarves, this adorable blouse... I'm not really expecting any of it to last more that a year or two, but they sure will serve me well while they last (ex: the maroon pencil skirt is at about a $3.50 cost per wear... worth it!)

Have a wonderful weekend, you all. Do some relaxing, snuggling, and sipping something warm and cozy!

How To: Tie a Scarf

Skirt: thrifted...Tee: H&M...Cardigan: Gap...Jacket: Armani Exchange via Buffalo Exchange...Scarf: Target...Shoes: Kenneth Cole via Buffalo Exchange

Happiest Wednesday! As a special feature, I thought I'd share my slop-tastic method of lumping on a scarf. Seen here, or here, or here... You get the point. It's simple, really.
1. Hold opposite corners along the length to tug the fabric on a diagonal bias behind your neck with 1/3 on one side and 2/3 on the other.
2. the 2/3 side arm wraps the scarf around the front of your neck, making sure you don't twist (flat fabric makes bigger scarf volume and fewer folds).
3. Once the 2/3 side gets swung all the way around, grab opposite corners and swoop them up to the back of your neck, tie and tuck.
4. Yank and pull until you have volume and coverage you're happy with.
5. Shazam! You're wearing a delightfully messy scarf without ends to get stuck in desk drawers or get sucked out an open car window.

And I'm linking up! Pleated Poppy's What I Wore Wednesday, A Little Bit of Lacquer's Work It Wednesday and Rolled Up Pretty's Whatever Wherever Wednesday.

Bad Photos

Skirt: Target...Blouse: Banana Republic, thrifted...Cardigan: Target...Scarf: Target...Shoes: Steve Madden...Belt: Banana Republic...Bag: D&B via Buffalo Exchange

Well, lesson learned- if you have to get going and leave for work early to get materials for an 8:00 am volunteer fair set up time, you better build in those extra 3 minutes to snap a photo or two... 5:45 pm light is poop after the time change. Well, now I know.

I'm glad the election is over, I've been carefully tracking the campaigns, strategies, and listened to all the debates since preeeeetty much last summer. It's been pretty tiring, but my NPR listening is probably going to all of a sudden feel very slow from here until the new year. And now, shall we play a game? Is Kate Republican or Democrat? What influenced your thinking?

Aaaanyway, it's a big darn day on another front, too: Pleated Poppy's What I Wore Wednesday!