July Purchases

You won’t believe it. I didn’t spend my $100 allowance this month and it wasn’t the IRS’ fault. Just a case of shopping ennui.

Shoes.com
1. Two Lips red Vanity wedges, $21.26


Thanks again to Zeus’ Mom for the suggestion and coupon code.

Sprightly Strands
2. Feathered Headband, $27

I certainly don’t need another feathered headband, but this one is so lovely. The iridescent green feathers and the beading detail persuaded me to add to my collection. I bought this from the Sprightly Strands booth at Second Sunday, but the artist also has an etsy shop.


Target
3. Jeggings, $19.99

I’m still not down with skinny jeans, even if Angie says they are a classic. They just seem too uncomfortable. Instead, I’ll wear the denim/legging hybrid and perhaps fool everyone into thinking I’ve squeezed myself into skinny jeans.

Total: $68.25.

I came in underspent this month, but am seriously contemplating buying a tooled leather backpack to tote my work gear. I’m riding the bus more these days and my shoulder bags are killing me. The bag’s price will exceed my August budget.

July LOL Love

Check out the latest from my fellow Locals On Living bloggers.

Mommy Snacks: You don’t have to have kids to enjoy the upcoming Free + Cheap Family Fun Activities. I’m marking Museum Day on my calendar: September 25!

Cooking with Caitlin: My spice collection is overflowing. I haven’t used the fenugreek seed or asfoetedia in years, but I’m loathe to throw anything out. Caitlin lists her top 10 spices to keep in the kitchen. Maybe I don’t need 35 spice bottles.

My Wine Education: Mad Men Mondays are back! Michelle dishes on Don’s Canadian Club and Roger’s Stoli.

Girlfriendology: Brandy’s Frugal Girlfriend Fun is genius – especially the Swap Party suggestion.

Moms Like Me: A local 13-year old’s handbag design is for sale on bebe.com.

Wine Me, Dine Me: Julie convinced me; I signed up for Farm Fresh Delivery, too. All the cool kids are doing it.

Healthy Alter Ego: Beefy loves Rice Krispy Treats, so I will have to try this healthy version.

Epi-Ventures: Who hasn’t watched an episode on Food Network and then dreamt of going to culinary school? Become vicariously educated through Courtney’s experiences at Midwest Culinary Institute.

Cincy Chic: Amy alerts us to the incredible affordability of ALK Fashion gowns, designed by Amy Kirchen.

Epaulets

ep•au•let
-noun
An ornamental shoulder piece worn on uniforms, chiefly by military officers.

These spangly, beaded epaulets are definitely ornamental. They’re so flashy that I didn’t need any other jewelry.


Vest, Forever 21. Dress, thrifted, vintage, and shortened. Belt, The Limited. Epaulets, sequinappliques.com. Shoes, Charles David. Bag, Deux Lux.


Photos by Beefy Muchacho

Sneaks

I never thought I’d pull a Working Girl, but, today, I conceded to practicality and wore sneakers with my business casual. I usually just suffer the walk to and from the bus stop in my heels, but I had to trek from downtown Cincinnati, across the Ohio River, to the Covington riverfront today (at 6:30 a.m. – ugh). I needed something comfortable and supportive.


Blouse, Daytrip. Skirt, Mossimo. Headband, self-made. Sneakers, Champion (thrifted).


When not hoofing all over the tri-state, I wore a pair of leopard print Steven by Steve Madden wedges.


The older I get, the less tolerance I have for uncomfortable shoes. I may bring the sneaks out more often.

Do you commute in an athletic shoe?

100 Percent

I took these pictures at 6:30 a.m. and we were already at 100% humidity. Humidity and relative humidity can be explained with formulas and scientific jargon, but the most important thing to know is that at 100% humidity, sweat does not evaporate. Totally gross.


Scarf, swap. Sweater, Moda International. Tank, George. Skirt, Talbot’s (thrifted). Shoes, Gianni Bini. Bangles, Deb.

Thankfully, my office is much cooler and less humid.

BES

I may have become a little obsessed with wearing these shoes while carrying this bag. Can you blame me? They clash so nicely.


Vest and bag, Forever 21. Dress, Merona (shortened). Tank, New York & Co. Shoes, Miss Me. Earrings, Into the Fray. Briefcase, Coldwater Creek (thrifted). Black-Eyed Susan, from my garden.


See? I’ve done it before…


Examples are from 2008 and 2010. I appear to have forgotten about the purse for all of 2009.

Dramatically Discounted Vintage

The Drama Workshop’s costume collection is overflowing with vintage clothing, so we’ll be selling dozens of dresses, skirts, blouses, sweaters, and jackets this Saturday. Most of the costumes are actual day and evening wear, from the 1930’s through present day. You can find anything from collector’s items to work wear in the sale.

I helped cull the collection and pulled out a few of my top pics:


A 70’s day dress
A flowered poncho
A disco-era dress
A boho dress
A prarie chic skirt
An exotic trimmed skirt
A 50’s party dress
A pony print dress

All available for purchase!

The clothing will be priced between $3 and $5…and everything is ½ off after 3 p.m.


What: The Drama Workshop Warehouse Sale
When: July 31, 2010, 10 am to 4 pm
Where: 1676 Hoffner Street, Cincinnati, OH 45233
Why: The group has been active since 1954 and the storage space simply can’t hold any more. We’re selling costumes, set materials, furniture and props.

A peek at the giant pile of vintage clothing for sale:

Frisky

I had planned to wear something else this morning, but the drop in heat and humidity left me feeling too frisky for a simple blouse and skirt combo. I was more in the mood for zebra stripes and peacock feathers.


Jacket, London Jean. Dress, Jones New York. Belt, swap. Headband, Sprightly Strands. Shoes, Two Lips. Tote, Forever 21. Purse, Nicole Lee.

Get Something Extra

I don’t get to the mall as often as I’d like, but one of my favorite mall stores for work appropriate attire is The Limited. I can count on that store for basics, with a little something extra…

Basic: jersey dress
A little extra: the fabulous color

I literally…Wore. This. Dress. Out. Then, I retired it to casual wear. Then, I cut it up in an attempt to make a “little man” video. I definitely got my money’s worth. A piece of it lives on in my closet, holding my brooches.

Basic: dressy tee
A little extra: pintuck detail around the neck

Like the dress, this is also an incredible color.

Basic: navy cardigan
A little extra: the marching-band-style appliques

This sweater was my most recent Limited purchase. It is the holy grail of navy cardis.

The Limited is partnering with Jodi Arnold for its Fall 2010 collection. Jodi’s collection is inspired by the ‘20s and ‘30s. I've previewed the collection and it delivers the "extra" in the form of beading, embroidery, and sequins. Jodi Arnold be appearing in Cincinnati later this month:

Who: The Limited and Designer Jodi Arnold
What: You’re invited to an exclusive fashion presentation and cocktail party, including 40%, giveaways and gift bags (while supplies last)
Where: The Limited, 7875 Montgomery Road
When: August 18, 6-9pm
Why: Celebrate the spirit of the modern woman and discover your own freedom of expression

Cincy Chic has asked me to host a contest on What I Wore Today to give away something really "extra:" a $50 gift certificate and 30-minute wardrobe consultation with Jodi Arnold.

To enter, leave a comment telling me why you love your Limited pieces from a past, current, or upcoming season. Cincy Chic and I will select the top 5 stories and put those to a reader vote.

Leave your story in the comments by August 5!

Please enter only if you’ll be able to attend The Limited event in Cincinnati on 8/18.