Catching Up

I returned from Orlando to discover that Fall had fallen.


Blouse, borrowed. Skirt, USMC service uniform (embellished with lace trim). Bag Vieta. Shoes, BCBGeneration. Earrings, Epcot Mexico. Tassel, Epcot Morocco. Arrowhead pendants, thrifted. Sunglasses, Xhilaration.

I also came home to many, many unread posts in my Google Reader. Among the news I missed: today was Everybody Everywear Do It Yourself day. I was happy to realize that I had serendipitously worn something I “did myself.” This olive skirt was once a part of my USMC service uniform. I added some lace trim at the waist and hem and pressed it into civilian service.



Happy fall and happy EBEW DIY day!





Photos by Beefy Muchacho

Shoulda

So….I definitely should have worn tights today. It was much cooler and breezier than I expected.

I did have the good sense to don pettipants. Otherwise, I would have displayed my goods to the people of Cincinnati more than once this afternoon. I was also fortunate to have left my leather jacket at work yesterday. It blocks the cold wind like a champ.


Jacket, Laundry by Shelli Segal. Vest, Urban Vibe. Dress, Tucker for Target. Bracelets, Claire's and vintage. Sunglasses, Xhilaration. Shoes, American Eagle for Payless.



Yeah...I didn't want to take the jacket off.



Photos by Beefy Muchacho

Organic

A black and white outfit, accessorized with pops of bright color, is classic, but can come across a bit contrived and artificial. To bring some naturalism to that sterile palette, I like to add an organic, earthy touch. Wood, feathers, or an animal print break up the black and white and dull the harshness of brights.


Dress, Allison Taylor (thrifted). Sweater, New York & Company. Obi belt, Sugadaminka. Shoes, Steven by Steve Madden. Bag, Charming Charlie. Earrings, Pangaea.



Photos by Beefy Muchacho

Waterproof

Today, I’m glad that skin is waterproof. I wore galoshes and a rain coat, and carried an umbrella, but my legs still got wet. However, I prefer wet skin to wet fabric. It dries more quickly.


Shirt, Christopher & Banks (thrifted). Skirt, Herman Geist (thrifted and shortened). Everything else, thrifted and unlabeled.

It All Makes Sense Now

Commuting to and from work, I wore my peach ballet flats. The rest of my color choices didn’t really make sense until I got to work and slipped on these floral peep-toes.


Jacket, Charlotte Russe (dyed). Dress, Merona (shortened). Blouse, Charlotte Russe. Shoes, Nine West. Purse, Simply Vera. Earrings, Night Owl Crafts. Bracelets, vintage, Claire’s, and Mixit.



Here are all of the outfits, so far, that didn’t quite “go” until I added these shoes:


Mostly, it seems I use these shoes as a way to tie in my vintage coral and turquoise earrings.

Utility

I don’t often use the word “practical” on this blog, but today’s outfit is 100% utilitarian. I had another packed schedule: work, swim practice, and a film festival. The boots kept me dry and comfortable as I hiked to and from the bus stops and across the UC campus. The hat hid my post-swimming hair. And the unrestrictive clothing allowed me to move quickly and sling a backpack over my shoulders.


Hat, Target. Cardigan, Rodarte for Target. Dress, swap. Belt, thrifted. Boots, Dan Post. Earrings, Night Owl Crafts. Necklace, Phai’s House of Jade.

Pass the Mustard

Well, you know it’s fall (and that my hair is back to red*) when I’m wearing mustard yellow.


Shirt, Worthington (thrifted). Skirt, Leslie Faye (thrifted). Belt, thrifted. Shoes, Libby Edelman. Bag, Franco Sarto. Earrings, Pangaea. Sunglasses, Girl Props. Bangles, Epcot Morocco and Garden of the Gods gift shop.

I’m not a huge fan of prepared mustard, at least not until I tried Löwensenf Extra Hot mustard. I can eat it straight out of the tube. I prepare hotdogs just to serve as a vehicle for the stuff. It delivers the best nose burn ever.

I also like mustard seed. I fry them in oil (with fennel seed) before adding cauliflower to make one of my favorite Indian side dishes. You have to watch out, though. Mustard seeds pop just like popcorn in hot oil. I have the tiny burns to prove it.

But back to the color mustard. I find it incredibly versatile. Here, it sobers up this garish skirt.



Photos by Beefy Muchacho

Please excuse the picture overload. I blame my lack of discretion on mustard-related injuries.

*Mustard just didn’t look good with my pale blond hair.