Whoa

Skirt: H&M...Tank: Target...Cardigan: Target...Belt: Target...Shoes: Naturalizer...Bag: Longchamp knockoff

It's been a wild week, thank goodness the first three have gone seemingly quickly. After my bummer of a complaint post earlier this week, I'm glad to say I've received a little better communication and a better vision of what I can do to be most helpful, which means my days are filled with catching up on effectively doing things rather than cycling through tasks that I only understand halfway. It goes faster when you're in the middle of a "good busy" streak.

Speaking of time going faster, there's only a month before the Gala. And only three weeks until we travel to Tucson for Rob's dance show premier (he wrote a major work that's being choreographed by Art.if.Act Dance Company, they're SO good.). Only three months until I'm done with work. Four short months until we're moving our things, what little we're keeping, back to Ohio. Down to about 18 weeks before we're outta here. Wild to think about!

Check back tomorrow for my fancy-pants look to go to the Ballet! The RITE OF SPRING!

Next Steps

Skirt: Banana Republic, thrifted...Sweater: J Crew, thrifted...Belt: Target...Shoes: Naturalizer...Scarf: Thai table runner...Bag: Longchamp knockoff

Well, crew, it's Wednesday, so I'm linking up with The Pleated Poppy and Rolled Up Pretty. And why on earth would I deprive you all of my gloriously bed-head-ish icky bun disguised by a crisp pencil skirt and black patent belt?


Just in case you missed it... my little family will be moving to Suzhou, China for my husband's new position as a professor at Soochow University. Can I get a WOOHOO? As excited as I am about our next step and our international move, I'm realizing how much there is to plan and arrange. Actually, I think we've mostly figured out how we plan to move our things to storage in Ohio, I've already found several well reviewed lightweight duffel bags for the flight, we are receiving help with visa arrangements from the university. Mostly, I am doing a lot of sorting things out in my head about what we should toss, sell or donate and what physical stuff we ought to save in storage that is "our stuff". The stuff that feels like home. Because we don't really know how long we'll live overseas. We might stay for just a year or two, we might stay 6, we might love it and apply for tenure. And if we only stay a much longer time, what's the point of keeping stuff? Here's the other factor. My sister is likely moving back to the States from Hong Kong, so there may be a transfer of furnishings and rice cookers mid-summer so I don't want to start a grand purge before she gets her pick.

The upside? I love making lists and researching something to death. So, a complicated move with a currency conversion and different set of cultural norms is pretty great.

Dance! Dance! Dance!

Skirt: Target...Tee: GapBody...Cardigan: Target...Tights: Target...Shoes: Naturalizer...Pearls: Beijing vendor

Simple? Chanel-inspired? Stretchy? I love it!

We got to go see a dance show on Sunday. Our friend wrote a violin solo piece to which choreography was performed. The choreography was created by a woman My Guy used to accompany- she taught a modern dance class and he played djembe or whatever random hand drum he pulled out of his collection. So, we were a little biased about picking a favorite. Anyway, the whole show was incredibly interesting, the first piece was visually stimulating- coordinating but fractured parts performed by 8 dancers. Another piece with a smaller group (all dressed in cream- laces and flowing fabrics, it was awesome) did quite a lot of lifts and movement around one another, really complex movements and forms. And our friends' piece was a trio that made great use of lighting and staging to allow each performer a series of moments to spotlight their unique choreography and style of movement. I love when pieces work that way- cater to and highlight strengths without using them as a crutch. There's an article here about the whole show. (The review of Lydia is the one to look for!)

I love going to see dance. It's good for my soul. (And I think Rob has music-ed me out a little over the years)

Neutral Fail

Pants: Zara...Turtleneck: J Crew Outlet...Blazer: Gap...Jacket: BB Dakota via Piperlime...Shoes: BCBGeneration via Ross...Bag: Longchamp knockoff

I'm not really sold on this one, but, I wore it out of the house for a day, so it's on the blog. Accountability, transparency. Sometimes I wear turtlenecks that don't have enough contrast with the paired blazer. That's the way it goes down every once in a while. They can't all be winners.

But that's the point of a daily style-geared blog. Wearability. Real-girl. Lifestyle. I'm never going to be high fashion and I'm not going to not post something just because it's a semi-dud. Because even though my readership relatively small, you guys are active and I'm not going to bull-crap any of you into thinking I'm on the ball all the time. That's the point of this for me, to have a reason to get to know all of you. So, if I post a stinker, I post a stinker, and we can have a good chuckle about it.

Hahaha, hey, did you guys see that one post where Kate matched her turtleneck to her hair and her blazer to her roots?

Humbug?

Pants: Gap Really Skinny...Sweater: J Crew Outlet...Blazer: Gap...Boots: thrifted...Bag: Longchamp knockoff...Earrings: Banana Republic

I know I've said it, but I'm just not a Holiday Season kind of gal. Thanksgiving came, I enjoyed it thoroughly, and then it went. And my home is still un-decorated, no tree, a minimum of holiday treat-eating, zero holiday treat baking. Anne has had some incredibly adorable holiday decor posts lately, it makes me feel a little bit guilty for being such a Scrooge. Go check her blog out, you'll be so glad you did (her Pin to Present posts are killer!) So, another neutral outfit for me today. And I think I'll force myself next week to post nothing but Kate-style Holiday Looks. Which probably means the holiday-ish aspect of the outfits will be subtle as crap, but at least I'll feel more festive.

(PS, how do you guys feel about the possibility of a Friday Holiday Look link up? I'll host if you're game!)

Happy Friday, you all! Eat something peperminty and send jingle bell vibes my way. I need to get in the spirit!

Party Prep

Dress: Target...Cardigan: Target...Blazer: Gap...Belt: Gap...Shoes: BCBG via Ross...Bag: D&B via Buffalo Exchange...Necklace: Target

Woo, this morning got all shaken up! I stayed at work late to finish putting together packets for our first host committee meeting, which is today, for the 2013 Benefit Dinner in the spring. For which no When, Where, Theme, Honoree, etc. information has been decided. Good thing I'm well versed in cheerfully taking care of details last minute. Kidding, we'll get a lot of it figured out between today's meeting and a meeting with our potential honoree next week.

The good news is that we had meeting with two potential locations yesterday, so I received a delicious sampling of ceviche and "lobster bisque pops"- yeah, as in tasty lobster corn dogs. On a stick. Yum. I'm pretty sure that counts as a perk of the job!

Extended Celebrations

Skirt: Target...Tank: thrifted...Cardigan: Target...Blazer: Gap...Belt: Target...Shoes: Steve Madden via Ross...Bag: D&B via Buffalo Exchange...Earrings: Banana Republic...Necklace: Target

Oh, good gravy. These photos are a scaaaaary reminder to hit my gams with just a little self tanning foam. Days of bare legs and needing tights flip flop like crazy this time of year, perhaps I ought to remember that and prepare accordingly. Or not. And just skippidy-do out the door like my beached-whale skin-tone isn't even a little bit offensive. On a roll, Kate. On a roll.

We got to have a Mini Thanksgiving with friends last night... And boy-o-boy was it amazing! Regina The Talented prepared the whole meal, including mini birds... Quail! She even put adorably oversized paper covers over their little leggies, I nearly fell over laughing when she showed me the package over the weekend. I love when the Thanksgiving season lasts for just about as long as the Christmas season. It's my favorite!

Taupe, Tan and other neutrals

Jeans: Gap Always Skinny...Tee: Gap PureBody...Sweater: Banana Republic, thrifted...Blazer: Gap...Boots: thrifted...Bag: D&B via Buffalo Exchange...Shades: via TJ Maxx

There's something wonderful about grounding an airy, light palette look with warm cognac boots and a leopard print scarf. Yeah, the blazer gives it a little gravity, yeah, the jeans are a nice mid grey, but it's all pretty simple and basic with the grey bottoms and light grey loose sweater until you add a kick of warmth with the deep tan hue. Color theory, my friends. And balance. between an accent above and below the waist. The tan and taupe in that scarf work with everything, including my boots.

I've been pulling a lot of black lately for my new job, it's easy, ladylike and gives me a little credibility. This look was a nice break from the strict professionalism of pencil skirts and lends itself well to a day of hauling bookcases. Yup, that happened.

Have an amazing weekend, you all! Keep your eyes peeled for this easy peasy look on both Work Clothes, I Suppose Third Thursday: Knits and EB:EW Boots!

So Close

Jeans: Gap Perfect Boot...Blouse: thrifted...Blazer: Gap...Shoes: via Buffalo Exchange...Bag: D&B via Buffalo Exchange...Pearls: Beijing vendor...Shades: via TJ Maxx

Hahahahahahahhaha, even though this outfit is more of the simple same... my face in the first photo shows what's up. I'm tired, it's cold, we're walking right up to deadlines and flipping them the bird, people are clinging to information, thinking that if they give us the scoop only a day prior to the Gala that everything is okay. Nope. We went to print on Monday. Don't get ticked that your item isn't prominently featured in the catalog.

ONLY 48 MORE HOURS OF THE MADNESS! Catch you all on the flipside. I can't wait to get totally adjusted and really learn my new role for my new job. Full time non-profit gig for the WIN!

Oh, and my costume for the Gala tomorrow is adorable. I'll show you guys on Sunday! Thanks for hanging around while I chatter nonsense at you all (and I CAN'T WAIT to start really reading your blogs in earnest again. I've missed you all!)

Great News!

Pants: Gap Really Skinny....Sweater: Banana Republic Outlet...Blazer: Gap...Scarf: Target...Bag: D&B via Buffalo Exchange...Shoes: Naturalizer...Earrings: Banana Republic

Big, big day. New meetings, new people, transitions... I've been a holding out on you guys with a little bit of information.

I started, very very part-time, a new job. I'll go full time after the Gala (that Boss Lady helps run) on November 5. Grants management, special projects, in-a-little-over-my-head... But I'm so excited and am really thrilled for the new opportunity!

So, with that, two videos in celebration. Try not to giggle. I dare you.

Linking up, of course! Pleated Poppy's What I Wore Wednesday.

Film Buff

Skirt: Banana Republic, thrifted...Blouse: Target...Blazer: thrifted...Shoes: Naturalizer...Bag: D&B via Buffalo Exchange...Shades: via TJ Maxx...Earrings: Banana Republic...Necklace: Target

Mmmm, neutrals. I like 'em.

I'm just going to say this, risking shame and disgrace: I watched the Royal Tenenbaums last night. For the first time. And it really is as wonderfully stylized and strangely interesting as it's always been talked up to be. And, really, shame on me for only watching 20 minutes over and over and just now getting around to paying attention to the whole thing.

My Guy and I are biiig movie collectors- In college, we didn't have tv for a couple of years and have only had it during promotion periods since then. So, we started collecting movies and a select few favorite shows on DVD. It's a funny mix, but it got me to thinking- what are my top 10 watchable forever and ever movies?

In no particular order:
Toy Story 3
Fried GreenTomatoes
Back to the Future
That Thing You Do
Moulin Rouge
Toy Story
Princess Bride
Pete's Dragon
Up
Tommy Boy
...and honorable mention for Clue, High Fidelity, and Son In Law... Please tell me your taste in movies is just as abysmal! Strange, strange line up.

Almost Busted. Again.

Pants: Theory via Buffalo Exchange...Blouse: thrifted...Cardigan: Target...Bag: D&B via Buffalo Exchange...Shoes: Target...

Guess who was nearly caught taking photos (by, count 'em, FOUR neighbors)? I would have taken pictures last night before the sun went down, but I had to sit in the carport, in the shadows, for over 20 minutes before my path to the back yard was clear. Because I'm a wimp. Golden hour came and went and I took pictures with a way-too-high-for-comfort ISO and edited the crap out of them. They look poopy, I'm aware, and I apologize. Buuuut, I am so proud of how this blouse turned out and wanted to show off a little. I found it for way cheap and way oversized and took my first crack at altering a sheer, silky fabric. I took in about 1 1/2" on either side and sleeves, revised the side seams of the high-low hem to make a nice, easy angle. It took a little "doing" but I did it. Huzzah.

We have another night of doggy playdates lined up today- our morning walking shifts for our neighbor's dogs ended and were taken over by different neighbor, but we were on the schedule to do Wednesday and Friday evening... Which means the lady dogs are hanging out in our apartment for the evening! I'm telling ya, I need a menagerie. Dogs, guinea pigs, fish, kids, cats, geckos... (I might be best served by following my mom's pet-aqcuisition advice to keep down the numbers: "Only take pets home that match." She brought home a guinea pig once during my childhood simply because it was the same solid golden color as our golden retriever.) My guy wisely says "no" to extra critters.

Happiest Friday, you all! Have a great weekend.

Tired and Happy

Art Car is coming! In honor of the madness (which is hosted by the Orange Show) I've worn orange.


And I'm so wiped out tired that that's the most riveting thing I can pass along today.

See you Sunday! I hope your weekend is as wild and fun as mine is likely to be.

Pants: Theory via Buffalo Exchange...Blouse: thrifted...Cardigan: Target...Shoes: Sperry via DSW

Art Car Weekend

It's going to be an errand day- and I'm excited. Lots of packets and tickets to be delivered, long car rides around town, intermittent phone calls about a task or item forgotten. It's a strangely satisfying puzzle to get it all done efficiently and with the most pleasant route for a ride with the windows down.

And it's all happening because it's NEARLY ART CAR WEEKEND. This amazing Houston tradition is in it's 25th year and is so wonderfully nuts. The excitement and joy of the Art Car community and sense of fun and whimsy are not to be missed if you're ever in Houston during the second weekend in May. To read more about the history of the Parade or to see some of the cars, check out the website! Tonight, my guy and I are going to the Art Car Ball, which is the preview party in celebration of the artists and maaaany of them come in costume to match their cars, other guests just come in costume for fun. It's loud, wild, goofy and totally fun.

What kind of events go on in your town? Any awesome festivals? Strange parades?

Pants: Theory via Buffalo Exchange...Button-down: J Crew Outlet...Cardigan: Target...Shoes: Calvin Klein via Buffalo Exchange...Belt: Target

Unwelcome Excitement

Four points of unwelcome excitement happened yesterday:

I tapped my hot french press carafe on the corner of this sink and a chunk cracked out of the bottom edge. Boo hoo, no perfectly brewed-to-my-taste strong bold coffee for me tomorrow.
I was beyond busted taking pictures again. Who would have thought that the SAME neighbor with his pack of doggies would be coming out (still in PJ's) at 9 am?
A crated sculpture arrived unexpectedly at boss lady's house (we were told there would be a Friday arrival) and the first one of this sculpture's kind came from overseas broken into pieces. I wanted her here to inspect and be witness to the method of packing so she could hoot and holler at the shipper herself if something happened to it, but she'd been moral support at the hospital since 6 am for her grandson's leg surgery. So I hesitantly took on the task of uncrating this precious cargo.
It got hotter and hotter as the day went on and, upon getting the sculpture safely out of the crate and into the house (um, HEAVY.), went back out to help the gardener tidy up our disaster zone. I squatted down to pick up the dozens of screws and when I stood back up my vision went fuzzy then dark, I gripped the stepladder for dear life, hands shaking, body wavering. But I didn't fall. Thank goodness. I swiped a banana and glass of OJ and felt much better.

And I can't handle any more zany for a few days. Here's to a weekend filled with reading and remaining stationary.

Pants: Theory via Buffalo Exchange...Blouse: Gap...Cardigan: Target...Belt: Target...Shoes: Naturalizer

Backward

Soooo, I borrowed this sweater-wearing technique- yes, I am wearing a cardigan backwards. And I kind of like it. Word of advice, should you give this a shot yourself: Nip out the tag veeeeeery carefully (I, thankfully, had the foresight to do so and with as high up as it came on my neck, it would have been incredibly itchy.) and wear a camisole- the back dipped down just far enough it would have shown my bra closure and the tank top gave just an inch of coverage where I needed it.

I definitely felt a little scandalous walking out of the house this way, but it grew on my as the day went on. Is this a trend you're willing to try?

Pants: Theory via Buffalo Exchange...Sweater: Target...Shoes: Naturalizer...Bracelet: ASOS...Earrings: Banana Republic