Neutral Overload

Ladies and Gents, I'm in the midst of Winter Holiday. Thaaaaank goodness.

Moving on. It's time to adios these pants. They were once really great thrifted, lined wool, perfect light grey trousers. But they're getting a few more moth holes and the lower rise means they don't do the job of covering all of what ought to be covered anymore. And I only have a finite number of long-hem blouses to cover that mess up with. So, thanks, grey trousers, for coming overseas and helping me out through a solid handful of early 2nd trimester cold winter workdays. But you won't fit from here on out this winter, and any amount of weight that sticks around for next season will help you to remain unwearable. So long.

That said, this outfit was a stinker. Not a total bust in real life, but it photographed way more mono-tone than it was. The sweater is a little darker oatmeal in person, but, it was still pretty one note. Well, now I know. The look was saved only by this half up-do that actually made my hair look good. A tiny bit beehive, but mostly just out of my face chic. I'll take what I can get.

Have you worn a dud outfit lately? Am I the only one with no shame who actually posted it for the good ladies of style-blog-land to see? (Actually, I know for a fact that a handful of the women I follow have posted and mentioned "meh" looks lately or did a "worst of 2013" post, and that's why we're internet friends. Honesty is the best policy.)

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!

Happiness is...

Skirt: Beijing tailor...Sweater: F21...Scarf: Target...Shoes: Naturalizer

Marionberry Style. Black and White: Trend of the Month. Heck yes. Also, Work Clothes, I Suppose Polka Dot link up (which happens tomorrow! You still have time!). Throw in a little Pleated Poppy and Watch Out for the Woestmans and we've got ourselves a party.

I'll probably pass along a few photos of the weekend in Memphis a little later in the week, but it got me thinking about stuff that makes me happy.
Family Time, especially if we all drive 11 hours for it
Car ride conversations
A cat curled into the tightest little ball on my lap
A cat dreaming and twitching in my lap
Birthday gift of Kindle pre-ordered book by Ron Rash
Azalea blooms in February. I love the South
Kahlua and skim milk
My super cool/terrifying gift from brother. A bad-ass knife. Because he wanted to pick out a suited-to-me version of something he's into
Expensive camping socks doubling as slippers
Neighbors who take care of my critter kids for the price of beer-gift
Neighbors who share their successes and worries and excitements with me, because we're friends
My brownware mug
Beagles who snore so loud they wake up
Making a date with my husband's bromance to see a musical
Perfectly red and pink sunsets

What's been making you grin? My workdays are dragging on a little too long, so send me your little bit of happy!

Jam Packed

Skirt: H&M...Sweater: Target...Shoe: Cole Haan via DSW...Earrings and Jade bracelet: via Beijing cart vendor...Belt: came with the skirt...Bag: Longchamp knockoff

Good weekend. Saturday, I had to man a table at an Early Childhood Education conference, but I sure am glad I had the early shift- a very large, very caffeinated early morning treat from my favorite coffee shop, a drive to South Houston in absolutely beautiful fog at 6:30 and home by 11. We were starving by then, so we took a quick 1/2 mile trot to Bodega's Taco shop for fish and shrimp tacos. I love our neighborhood, but there really isn't an abundance of cheap food in walkable distance from our place. If we wanted $20 per plate entrees, we'd be in great shape. Aaaanyway, my afternoon was spent napping and painting my nails while Rob was at an afternoon rehearsal and we got ready for an early dinner with dear friends and their new doggy (the most petite and darling Cairn terrier mix I've ever seen). Sushi nights with friends are always great! And then Sunday, we got up early, went to the Zoo for a quick little while, ran a few errands, knocked out a few huge loads of laundry in under 1 1/2 hours, snuck a lunch of home-made pulled pork from Bromance, saw a dance show, and wrapped it up with a bike ride around campus and cheap beers at Valhalla.

For as much as we packed in, I still feel rested after a week of feeling crappy and out of it. I'm going to go ahead and assume it's a little gift of apology from last week and a nice little welcome from this new one.

What were you all up to? Fill me in!

Tales of My Ineptitude

Pants: H&M...Blouse: Target...Cardigan: Target...Scarf: who knows, I've had it for over 8 years...Shoes: Le Sportsac via DSW...Bag: Longchamp knockoff...Earrings: Target

Okay, so baking is decidedly not my thing. We had a video chat with my parents last night while I was baking cookies Round 2 (Hi, Dad!) and I was able to show off my powdered sugar and flour splattered pants, my kitchen in shambles, my inability to stir any of it without slopping all over the place. I tried making a Rolo cookie recipe, which looked right-ish based on all the photos, including the one of a bowl full of glorified batter rather than dough, but the images still showed lumps of cookies on the baking sheet, but mine would not stop spreading. So, I went ahead and made them into fudgey brownies. I even read and followed instructions. This is why I hate baking... Do all the steps right, go through the trouble of properly measuring, and it still fails big time. Forget it! I'll stick with stir fry.

It's also mailing week at the office for the annual giving campaign letters, which has not gone easy at any step (I choose to believe it's my work computer's strange Mail Merge reactions). Getting the letter, the spreadsheet of names, giving form, and additional letterhead and envelopes ready and printed has been a mini nightmare. We thought we had a solid letter drafted, a descriptive and clear giving form finalized and lots of labels for the envelopes, but Mail Merge wouldn't print the photo in the letter, the Director changed her mind about the form (we backtracked to juuuuust about the same thing we finished on Friday), we ran our of labels, but had pleeeeenty of clear,  which takes about 72 hours to dry without smudging. Plus, we're out of stamps! I love my new job, I love my new co-workers, but whew! The hazards of a tiny non-profit staff, I guess.

The good news of early Tuesday: We finally have a theme for our benefit dinner in the Spring: Pop Art Soiree! Lots of awesome art historical references to use there, lots of 60's cultural goodies. I can't wait to see a draft of the invitation late this week!

And don't forget, we're doing a little Holiday Look link up this Friday! Prep your party garb or your cozy best and get in a festive mood. I'm so pumped to see what you all put together. But, today I'm linking up with Pleated Poppy's What I Wore Wednesday and Rolled Up Pretty's Whatever Whenever Wednesday.

Field Trip

Pants: Zara...Buttondown: Target...Sweater: F21...Shoes: Steve Madden...Bag: D&B via Buffalo Exchange

I had so much fun at the Opera House yesterday! Hundreds of 7th graders actually engaged and impressed by some pretty killer student performances. It was awesome to catch some photos of some of these kids' first trip to a formal performance space, their first time hearing operatic voices, their moment of understanding when they realize no one was wearing a microphone. It's so rewarding to facilitate that kind of eye-opening exposure.

It's a nutty week at work- we have volunteers from the fine arts high school helping us get ready for a pretty major mailing, filing, etc. And a board meeting on Wednesday. And a site visit and evaluation on Friday.

Oh, and some benefit dinner planning. Still waaaay behind on that. What up in your weeks?

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!

Lame

Pants: Gap Really Skinny...Tank: Target...Jacket: H&M, thrifted...Shoes: Biviel via DSW...Earrings: Target...Necklace: Target

Is 4 1/2 hours straight of catching up on shows via Hulu too much? Eh, whatever. I'm alone. And I was glued to the internet for tracking my husband's flight anyway, so...

That's all. Lame. Happy Friday!

Slammed

Pants: Gap Really Skinny...Blouse: Target...Cardigan: Target...Shoes: via Buffalo Exchange...Earrings: Target

Well, our first gala meeting went well. It's a fun, upbeat group of women on the Host Committee and I'm looking forward to getting to know each of them better!

It's a packed week- my Monday and Tuesday were slammed after Thanksgiving break getting ready to present our preliminary information for the Gala (I went home at 9 on Monday, yuck!). We have a buddy who is finishing up his masters' degree and is back in town to finish his dissertation and get a recording of his big orchestral work (and we get to host him this week). And my Guy is headed out of town to interview on site for the positon he had the video interview for during that hellish week in October. You remember, that week just prior to his comprehensive exams, the dog barfed his guts out, I started transitioning into my new position... I can't tell you all any more, but send out some good vibes and a prayer for him. Getting a job (especially in music academia) right out of the program is really tough, but I'm hoping that out of the 7 total applications he sent out this season, something will bubble up to the surface.

In the meantime, I'll enjoy our friend's company (and his darling wife gets into town tomorrow evening!) and do a little linkin' up: Pleated Poppy's What I Wore Wednesday and Rolled Up Pretty's Whatever Wherever Wednesday!

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'!

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!

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.

Raunchy

Skirt: H&M...Tee: Gap...Jacket: Armani Exchange via Buffalo Exchange...Shoes: Naturalizer...Belt: Gap...Necklaces: J Crew...Bag: D&B via Buffalo Exchange

Okay, so I'm finally feeling disconnected from the Gala to share some amazing stories from last week:

Wednesday came and went and our catalog deadline was a big darn joke. As Boss Lady and I hacked our way through the list of descriptions to edit (she was mostly distracted all week and we pushed past the deadline laughing), we started noticing our verbiage got more and more inappropriate and raunchy. Who talks about a restaurant in terms of a secret rendezvous? We did. At 9pm on Tuesday. Who uses icky and demanding phrase of "Your John Hancock, please." in regards to $900 pen? We did. At 8:15 on Wednesday. So far removed from elegant and enticing. We won't even talk about the phallic references to the bullet casing necklace.

I would be remiss if I didn't say I really am glad for the exhausting experience of last week. For the first time in three years, Boss Lady placed a lot of trust in my writing abilities and pricing judgements to get the auction stuff done. Which is a big darn deal because she is a control freak. Whip smart, but a control freak. I maintained a positive, productive, cheerful, and relatively happy demeanor all darn week long, no small feat considering how close we cut so many deadlines. Boss Lady was crabby and tired, but we kicked serious arse as a team. Which I'm glad for. She's been known to hold it against people who "leave" and "wrong" her (aka taking a career advancing job), but I think my commitment and dedication to creative and decisive work in the last month won her over.

Thank goodness.

I do, however, think I'll have to do a better job of keeping auction items G to PG for my new job... they are in the business of arts education, after all.

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!)