Pump Up the Frump

Fugue Forecast

2012-01-24T16:18:00.000-05:00

It's pasture bedtime.

Oh. I remember when it wasn't absurdly, frigidly cold. It seems like it 'twas but two weeks ago that I could scamper in the pasture with my bony old clavicles hanging out.

Oh wait. It was only two weeks ago!

gate expectations

Oh, La Nina.

Department of de Fence

You know who else enjoys unseasonably warm temperatures?

Left to Right: Me, Momma, Dad, Laurie

Haltermons.

dress - vintage from Captain Betty's
flats - Nine West
earrings, bracelet, and poncho - Rabbit Hash General Store

A Chat on the Hat

2012-01-18T10:38:00.002-05:00

On the Fashionoclast, this week's Frivolous Friday challenge is bold and/or crazy hats.

I weep for those who refuse to wear silly hats.

Email Frédérik your pictures of you donning a chapeau by Monday, Jan. 23 to receive wide and varied internet acclaim!

Velveterinarian

2012-01-12T09:29:00.000-05:00

white tight-ing

You know that I always hike in finery (Exhibit A, Exhibit B), so when my handsome man invited me to run around the farm, I decided that the only way I could wear this practical thermal top was over a velvet minidress.

I mean, duh.

These boots were also somewhat pooped from cowpie landmines.

Sadie came with us... Poor pup was pooped!

These earrings were a Christmas gift from my man and I love love them.

Copper jewelry obsession: Engage!

thermal top - Free People
velvet minidress - thrift
earrings - Rabbit Hash General Store
thermal leggings - I got them at the outlet in Carrolton, KY.
socks - Kroger, of all places, I think.
boots - thrift
boot scarf - thrift

Fit to be Bow Tied

2012-01-11T09:02:00.000-05:00

So, over at the Fashionoclast, we're doing Frivolous Fridays. It's a weekly wardrobe challenge with the goal of pushing the boundaries of what is acceptable to wear in polite society.

And, okay, it gives me an excuse to wear junk I have laying around.

Want to partake? This week's Frivolous Friday Challenge is: Bow ties.

Leonard is a fan of reptile prints and flagrant neck wear.

Is there any way to look more dapper than donning a bow tie?

Whether draped around your neck, clipped in your hair, or pinned to your cardigan, bow ties instantly increase your rakishness. And who doesn't need more rakishness?

Post links to pictures of you in your debonair bow ties in the comments section or email 'em directly to me before Monday, January 16. I will then post you in all of your bow tied glory on the Fashionoclast.

Here's to more frivolity!

Barn Storm

2012-01-09T15:22:00.001-05:00

So, I tried to take some photos in the barn the other day...

And my ever-loving outdoorsman of a boyfriend, who was in the barn to do some hawk related chore (Did I mention he's a falconer?) decided to photobomb me.

And then, he kind of took over. Below are some of his quotes.

"You should tell everyone that we had a fight and you finally convinced me to put on... A coat!"

"You look like a china doll."

"You sure take this photo-thing serioiusly, don't ya?"

"I want to look good and crazy. Do I look creepy enough?"

scarf - Free People
jacket - Coldwater Creek (Weird, right?)
dress - vintage NY & Co. from a thrift store
boots - Frye

Coruscation and Carhartt

2012-01-03T10:47:00.001-05:00

New Year's Eve means mandatory sequins.

Hide and sequin

I haven't worn this dress in a couple years because it has incredibly ridiculous connotations for me.

I wore it in a choreographed dance number at a talent show a couple years ago.

I'm the one in white go-go boots on the far left. Brace yourself.

Woe is eyelashes

I also always wear fake eyelashes to ring in the new year. I'm really into subtlety. Hah.

Gems, truly truly truly outrageous

Green Acres, we are there!

Most importantly, though, I started 2012 with some amazing loved ones. Even if this loved one took one look at me and said, "You're wearing that?!" Why did I have to fall for a Carhartt-clothed cretin?

dress - Thrift from Rag-O-Rama... I think it was originally from Express or something.
headband - Urban Outfitters
boots - thrift
boot scarf - thrift

Cheers to New Years

2011-12-31T11:00:00.000-05:00

I am often unresolved when it comes to the new year but this song makes me want to make some plans for self-improvement.

Happy new year!

Last Chance Fancy

2011-12-30T14:58:00.000-05:00

Happy Frivolous Friday!

Anne Wolking, possibly one of the classiest, fanciest coworkers in history. Also, me.

At the Fashionoclast, we've started a little something called Frivolous Fridays. Our first foray into frivolity was a week or so ago and we will be offering up more challenges in irreverence next year.

I think this chair somehow increased my lankiness by 83%.

But because I'm never one to do anything in moderation, one of my favorite coworkers and I have decided to give the ol' proverbial finger to casual Friday and don our party finery to the office every Friday in December.

"Ah, yes, I found your problem right here. You are simply not as fancy as you should be."

We've gotten a great response and, while I can't in good conscience advocate sitting on sequins for eight hours, bringing a little New Year's festivities to my cube definitely made today better.

"I'll consider your proposal once your sartorial choices improve."

This is actually a dress I bought for New Year's 2006-2007. I'm wearing a different sequined dress on the morrow!

On moi:
sweater - Merona for Target
sequin dress - vintage from NVISION
shoes - Jeffrey Campbell

On Anne:
dress - Target
shoes - Target

Front Lines

2011-12-27T13:41:00.000-05:00

Stripe for the picking

This would look like an impressively coordinated photography shoot...

Laugh lines

...If it weren't so obviously my parents' bathroom.

Lined and dandy

I did my best to make it look professional, though!

Marching bands

Lines and felines

My parents' cat also added to the photo studio atmosphere.

dress - vintage from Casablanca Vintage in Northside, Cincinnati
earrings - scored from yard sale in Warsaw, Kentucky
belt - thrift
shoes - Free People

Sadie Gaga

2011-12-22T14:21:00.000-05:00

This post has Sadie's paw prints all over it.

Something adorable this way comes

Planks for the memories

So, I was trying to take this picture, above, the other day.

What wood Sadie do?

And instead, took a lot of this picture...

Oh my god, Becky. Look at her butt.

...And this picture.

Bloggin' on loggin'

So, I had a talk with Sadie and she agreed to quit stealing the show.

Frump fantastic

I got my detail shots...

Leo-phyte

Ruffle ryders

Nice Fryes finish last

...And made peace with the puppygirl.

pocho - Rabbit Hash General Store
dress - vintage Gunne Sax from Casablanca
earrings - I got them from some department store, I think. It was a while back.
ring - I got it in an awesome shop on Magazine Street in New Orleans a few years ago.
boots - Frye

I hope you have a very festive and frumpy holiday!

Apparitional Posting

2011-12-20T09:44:00.001-05:00

You can see Ms. Sadie's paw on the floor here... She was coaching me.

Indoor lighting makes my complexion more spectral than usual.

"Work it, girl."

Sadie seemed a little perturbed by the otherworldly nature of these photos, too.

I have a phantasmal figure, to boot.

Also, a supernatural booty.

dress - Free People
earrings - My momma made them.
shoes - I got them at DSW but I can't remember the brand. I'm sorry, I suck.

2011 in Revue

2011-12-16T11:09:00.002-05:00

Every year, I make a mix CD of all (okay, not all, maybe just the majority) of songs I fell in love with in the preceding 12 months. Below is this year's mix.

I would have loved to mail mix CDs to every single one of you but, despite this very lucrative blogging gig (it's a joke, get it?), I don't have the funds to mail a million discs. So, the track list below is linked to videos of each song.

Enjoy!

Iron & Wine - One More Try
Alabama - Dixieland Delight
Band of Horses - Marry Song
The Joy Formidable - Whirring
Carolina Chocolate Drops - Cornbread And Butterbeans
Blitzen Trapper - Furr
Blue Merle - Bittersweet Memory
The Rolling Stones - Sweet Virginia
Phillip Roebuck - Can I Keep You
Bon Iver - Holocene
Neko Case - The Next Time You Say Forever
G. Love - Milk And Sugar
The Walkmen - In the New Year

New, Blue Christmas

2011-12-15T08:34:00.000-05:00

Vintage velvet dresses are where it's at.

I got this one at the Village. Sniff... Sniff... Sorry. I'm still getting emotional. It seems that my favorite thrift store is gone forever.

A heartbroken ode, to the tune of Blue Christmas:

I'll have a blue Christmas without you
I'll be so blue, and continue to pout, too
With those price tags of red, and yellow, and green
No place is the same, dear, since you're not here with me

And when those blue teardrops start falling
That when those thrift deals start calling
Malls will be filled with ado with their merchandise new
But I'll want a used, used, used, used Christmas

You'll be spending much more at your department store
But I'll have a blue, blue Christmas

jacket - Levi's from the Village
dress - vintage from the Village
socks - thrift from the Village
boots - vintage from Atomic No. 10
small necklace - vintage from the Village
large necklace - vintage from the Salt Festival at Big Bone Lick State Park

Village Idiom

2011-12-13T13:42:00.001-05:00

I may look happy in this picture, but I'm not.

In fact, I'm heartbroken.

The Village Discount Outlet, the best thrift store in the history of the world and the subject of a little ode I recently wrote, has closed their doors.

I'm currently on Stage 3 of the Five Stages of Grief. Bargaining. But bargains remind me of the Village! Wahhhh.

Everything in today's outfit, including the belt and boots, is from the Village. RIP, buddy.

For those about to frock...

2011-12-12T08:22:00.002-05:00

I got a whole lotta nonsense brewing over at my other blog, the Fashionoclast.

Here's a hint: How much frivolity can you handle?

Check it out!

Chiaroscuro Words

2011-12-05T20:32:00.001-05:00

Shadowboxing

Posing? What do you mean? I'm just standing by the fridge. Being casual.

Shadow market

Oh, you want something from the fridge? I will look at you pensively while you ask.

Who knows what evil lurks in the hearts of men? The Shadow knows.

No, I always stand this way. Stretches the ankles.

Shadow compare thee to a summer's day?

Gosh, I'm exhausted after all this doing of totally normal things.

top - Rag-O-Rama
skirt - Free People
tights - I dunno.
shoes - Steve Madden, I'm going to guess.

Affirmation and Amicability

2011-12-05T08:37:00.001-05:00

Often, I feel like a fashion impostor because my sartorial choices are more anarchic than on-trend. So imagine the ego-inflating affirmation when I was invited to a Cincinnati style bloggers holiday party!

Yes, Virginia, there really is a Santa Claus!

I don't know who these girls are! Ack!

My assignment was to document the fantastic hair and makeup that was downright prevalent at the soiree. I mean, look at these ladies!

I know they totally introduced themselves to me but I didn't retain it. I suck.

Betsy and Becki of Folk and Feather

Megan of DiscoToes

And then I started talking to Megan and was so enthralled by the mechanics of theatrical puking that I quit documenting awesome 'dos. Seriously, she helped rig up a fake vomit machine! So fascinating!

Tamia of the Style Sample

But, it doesn't matter any way because Tamia has the Best Hair in Cincinnati. Capitalized. BEST HAIR EVER.

Questionable Taste from Kendall Bruns on Vimeo.

And, just because the amazing Kasmira requested it, here is a video I helped some friends make. I actually won an acting award for this. In the words of my sister: "No fucking way."

Self-Expression

2011-12-01T10:41:00.001-05:00

Note the careful use of tabby tail...

I'm a dedicated self-portraitist because I'm usually not too comfortable making my dumb "modelface" in front of other live humans.

Apparently, I'm cool with slathering it all over the internets, however...

I love a man in uniform.

So when my handsome boyfriend offered to snap a picture of me with the field in the background, I agreed because there was no way I could physically set up the shot without the help of my fellow man.

I've been out riding fences for so long, now.

But look what you get... Not modelface but schmoopface. Much worse!

A man's only as old as the woman he feels. - Groucho Marx

...But perhaps better than Grouchoface.

Thanks to LeeAnna Shepherd for the Groucho picture!

earrings - vintage
top - Chaps from Kohl's
belt - vintage
jeans - Guess?
boots - Frye... YES, THESE BOOTS AGAIN.

Just for Puns

2011-11-29T17:11:00.001-05:00

Pining for the fjords

I could try to conjure a narrative for this day's outfit. Or, I could regale you with puns.

Don't be coy. You only come here for the puns.

I'm stumped.

I'm going out on a limb, here.

Ay, there’s the shrub!

I'm on pines and needles.

Blurry my heart

Thigh times

earrings - My momma made them. Awesome, no?
poncho - Rabbit Hash General Store
dress - thrift, vintage
belt - Francesca's Collections
boots - Frye

Geriatric Scaring

2011-11-28T08:30:00.001-05:00

Convincingly monumental, no?

These photos were furtively snapped outside of my place of work.

It took a lot of practice to get this expression right...

It was stressful, but I think I did a pretty good job of playing it cool. Except for startling that one elderly gentleman.

Upon seeing me in this jacket, my sister exclaimed, "Wow, it looks like you have an actual figure!"

I'm sorry, sir!

scarf - thrift, vintage
jacket - vintage from Street Scene in Lexington
dress - Billabong
flats - Express

The Score Spangled Thrift Store

2011-11-23T09:32:00.001-05:00

Shoulder blades whoa!

I shall now sing a love song to my favorite thrift store, the Village Discount Outlet in Newport, Kentucky. It was from their glorious racks that I pulled this vintage 70s velvet maxi skirt.

Being furtive in the flowerbeds.

This skirt was only $2! TWO DOLLAS!

(To the tune of the Star Spangled Banner)
Oh say can you see
By the evening's last light
What so cheaply is sold
In the Village's vast store?

New Frye boots! Eeeee!

Whose broad racks and bright tags
Through the strip mall's dull gray
Shone o'er castoffs
That were gallantly donated?

Lobe trekker

And the price tags' orange glare
The strange smell in the air,
Gave proof that there were deals
On old clothing and footwear.

Oh say does that Village Discount Outlet yet stand...

Gnarly arm, there.

For the best clothing deals
In this, or any, land!

earrings - thrift/vintage
scarf - 'Twas a gift
bodysuit - Tigerlily
skirt - thrift/vintage
boots - Frye

Felines, Frump, and Fame

2011-11-21T13:16:00.001-05:00

Barn cats on parade... Horace, Frances, and Daisy

What do you wear to a tabby party?

Nuzzle up

Why, stripes, of course.

Daisy and confused

Even so, black always looks chic.

headband - The Black Market Boutique in Lexington
sweater - Free People
jeans - 7 for All Mankind
flats - Express

Check out how official I am!

Mare Style

2011-11-18T14:11:00.001-05:00

Why the long face?

Prepare for 928 pictures featuring my horse. I apologize in advance.

I love her with a fervor that knows no bounds, especially not blog etiquette bounds.

Being pasturized.

Whenever I go outside to snap some outfit pictures, I immediately head to the pasture because it's pretty and, well, there's a fence upon which to set my camera for my insane self-portraits.

I ain't gonna work on Maggie's farm no more. Just kidding, I totally am.

And then Maggie comes to check me out. And then I try futilely to snap a picture of both of us that doesn't look stupid.

If you haven't already, you need to check out Captain Betty's asap. ASAP, I say!

And then I try to snap some more outfit pictures.

And then Maggie's all, "What about me?"

And then we enjoy the sunset together. And life is grand.

sunglasses - Guess? from TJ Maxx
sweater - the Gap Outlet
blouse - vintage from Buffalo Exchange in Tempe, AZ
skirt - Captain Betty's
riding boots - yard sale
boot scarf - thrift

Poly Gain

2011-11-09T08:52:00.000-05:00

New favorite dress? Don't mind if I do!

This little house? It's just my maxi pad.

I picked up this awesome number at the Drama Workshop's vintage sale last month, thanks to Kasmira and her awesome hot tip. I also got to see Kasmira. She is even more awesome/adorable/foxy IRL.

These boots were made for rockin'.

Since I was in Northside anyway, my posse and I then toddled over to the Factory Flea and scored these fantastic boots.

Wake up, googley face.

I love this '70s print! I love it. And though I normally have an nonnegotiable ban on all things polyester, this gown is so soft, I will allow it. Plus, it fits like a dream.

Step it up.

headband - Forever 21
cardigan - It's really old. I have no idea from whence it came.
dress - vintage
ring - Free People
boots - vintage Dingo

Halloween Ham

2011-11-03T13:22:00.003-04:00

Another photo of the awesome/absurd Civil War era dress, this one by the insanely talented Jeanne Sheridan.

Thank you, Jeanne!

And if you're interested, you can see some of my favorite costumes of all time over at the Fashionoclast.

Halloween Times Three

2011-10-31T16:27:00.000-04:00

Man, listen to me. One Halloween costume ain't enough, Jack. You better make it three.

10/28

I've always relied on the kindness of strangers to take pictures of me...

Saturday afternoon, I headed to the Rabbit Hash Steamboat Bicentennial Celebration in my awesome new Civil War-era dress! I freaking love this thing. No, it's not comfortable. No, it's not practical. But for the raging adoration slut (me) this is the perfect ensemble to garner interested comments. Well worth it.

I never thought much about being a reenactor because I'm too cool for school and blah blah blah but this was really freaking fun. Any excuse to play dress-up!

Many thanks to Bobbi Layne Kayser for this picture. I'm looking forward to posting (read: stealing) some other pictures of this day so be prepared to be inundated. When I buy an absurd dress, I like to smother the internets with it.

dress (jacket and skirt) - VictorianChoice2009 on eBay
scarf - 'Twas a gift
hoop skirt - angeldress5966 on eBay

High school is so lame.

Saturday night was a bonfire party. I imaged that potable beverages, hoop skirts, and fire could be a catastrophic combination so I changed costumes before heading out. This is my awesome best friend Callie. We are Daria and Jane.

Please tell me you know who Daria and Jane are.

Sick, sad world

wig - Awful, isn't it? I cut it myself.
red jacket and black top - thrift
shorts - Atomic Number 10
boots - Doc Martens, left over from my misspent youth as a quasi-punk

10/31

Office appropriate costume on the cheap? Done and done!

Happy Halloween!

I get around.

2011-10-28T10:40:00.001-04:00

It's getting colder and I'm spending more time on a farm. This calls for a reassessment of some fashion basics.

Oh, just hanging out by the hawk house. NBD.

I wore this to my office job during the day and then switched out footwear before heading to a barn dance.

velvet evolver

You can wear a velvet mini dress anywhere, right?

Those sunglasses sure do make me look like a jerk.

From clogs to cowboy boots... Someone stamp my fashion passport asap!

sunglasses - vintage Liz Claiborne from Chicken Lays an Egg
dress - vintage Betsey Johnson from Shop Therapy
geode necklace - A Gal Named Cinda Lou
green ring - The Rabbit Hash General Store
ruffle slip - Free People
clogs - Free People
boots and boot scarf - thrift

Semi Sweet

2011-10-21T14:16:00.000-04:00

Holy moly, is there anything better than a beautiful little denim dress?

Canines approve

Actually, there is.

From the fashion mecca of Slade, Kentucky

...And it's a belt adorned with SEMI TRUCKS.

Candy is also awesome.

My bosom can only be described as 'cavernous'

dress - Anthropologie
cardigan - TJ Maxx
belt - Natural Bridge Trading Post
flats - So
earrings - 'twere a gift

Also, Also

2011-10-05T16:20:00.001-04:00

For those RSS subscriber/Reader readers out there, click on through to see the new blog layout and give me some serious feedback.

Seriously!

Inundation Celebration

2011-10-05T08:21:00.028-04:00

I'm not the greatest at remembering anniversaries - Sorry, Mom and Dad! - but I'm rather embarrassed to admit that I forgot my own blog birthday. Pump up the Frump turned three on Sept. 2! Holy moly!

To celebrate, here are some of ensembles I've been neglecting to share from the past six months... Prepare for inundation!

4/23/11

I was going through a terrible breakup, starting a new job, and in the process of moving home. What better time to frolic in the springtime air while donning a purple frock?

dress - thrift

belt - Forever 21

shoes - gift from momma!

5/7/11

Finally getting settled in my new place... And getting used to living alone.

sweater - thrift

dress - Anthropologie

shoes - Kohl's

5/28/11

Ahhh yes, a perfect ensemble for hiking and four-wheeling at Lake Cumberland. Just call me Alexandra Supertramp.

dress - thrift

gold flats - The Gap (?)

earrings - The Little Mahatma

6/4/11

I went to an 80's party. I really wanted to look like one of those ladies you see on a vinyl sticker in the front of a nail salon, but instead I just looked like a slutty ZZ Top video extra. C'est la vie.

dress and boots - thrift

tights - CVS

hair - the amazing Abby Lay!

6/25/11

I have a friend with whom I undertake dorky Kentucky history-related adventures. On this day, we were enjoying the Roeblingfest, a celebration of John A. Roebling and his fantastic suspension bridge connecting Cincinnati and northern Kentucky.

hat - thrift

dress - Pangaea

black top - I'm not sure... It's super old.

boots and boot scarf - thrift

bag - Lucky Brand via TJ Maxx

sunglasses - I want to say Target.

7/3/11

This picture is here because this is my new favorite bathing suit. It's comfortable, flattering, and has enough butt ruffle to supply a dozen can-can dancers.

bathing suit - I got it at TJ Maxx. I'm sorry, I can't remember the brand.

7/9/11

In the grand tradition of doing absurd things, I hosted a fake bachelorette party wherein a half dozen of my girlfriends and I donned ridiculous duds, bought glittery cowboy hats, and spent the evening at the local cowboy bar. I got lots of congratulations and I felt like a jerk.

veiled bachelorette cowboy hat - The Party Source

everything else - thrift

7/10/11

Sunday, I once again walked with Caracole in the Cincinnati Gay Pride Parade. I was told to just show up and I'd be given a t-shirt so, not knowing what color shirt I'd be wearing, I tried to plan an outfit that would match anything. Et voilà: colorful belt and teal shorts. A very dapper homosexual gentleman pulled me aside and said, "You look fabulous!" Best compliment ever!

sunglasses - thrift from A Gal Named Cinda Lou

shorts - Forever 21

You can't see them but I'm also wearing my favorite sandals.

7/22/11

My family took my mom on a surprise pre-birthday road trip to Maysville, KY, hometown of Rosemary Clooney. While there were no George sightings, we did spend time with this laconic local...

earrings - thrift

dress - Kohl's

My sister is wearing a foxy frock she picked up from Pangaea.

7/29/11

My fantastic mentor Mary decided to retire this summer and held a costume party to celebrate. I went as Clara Bow. I'm not really sure what the rest of the posse are doing in this photo...

scarf - thrift

gown - vintage from Chicken Lays an Egg

t-strap heels - Reba from Dillard's

7/30/11

A case of the vapors!

gown - a wooden cutout in Bardstown, KY

8/10/11

This was taken during another dorky Kentucky road trip, this time to the Lincoln Homestead in Springfield.

dress - thrift

shoes - So from Kohl's, I think

8/12/11

I have a group of raucous friends that forced me to spend a weekend on a houseboat with them. This stylish gentleman is wearing a vintage, hand-sewn leather vest that my aunt had given me. It was so perfect for him, I had to pass it along.

hat - thrift

sunglasses - vintage Liz Claiborne from Chicken Lays an Egg

top - Anthropologie

jeans - Seven for All Mankind

sandals - my sister gave them to me!

8/19/11

Yes, these teal shorts again. What of it?

dress - thrift from Atomic Number 10

earrings - a gift!

shorts - Forever 21

sandals - Target

...And sometimes, I dress up as a giant fish mascot for work. You look fabu, Splash!

If you're hungry for more of my absurd ramblings, you can always check out the guest posts I've been writing for the Fashionoclast.

Manicure Manifesto

2011-09-13T09:38:00.010-04:00

**Let the record show that I took some fabulously informative photos to accompany this article but due to a technological kerfuffle, they are not yet on the interwebs. Useful diagrams coming soon, I swear!

I recently wrote about the esteem that comes with tinted talons on the Fashionoclast. Pristine pointers garner a lot of comments but more importantly, home manicures are the best way to justify 60 solid minutes of ANTM or that new documentary on the New York Times. Plus, it's way way cheaper (and less stinky) than hitting up a salon.

So kickback and coddle your claws. Here's my usual game plan:

1. Ready your arsenal.

Polish - Sometimes I splurge on expensive polish and sometimes I buy the cheap stuff. I haven't seen a great correlation between staying power and price tag except when it comes to OPI. That crap lasts.

Also, just like cottage cheese and threesomes, nail polish can go spectacularly bad and you won't realize it until you've slathered a sticky glob onto an unsuspecting tentacle. I've read that you can put your polish in the freezer to make it last longer but 1) I don't like to mix my toxic chemicals with my Snickers ice cream bars and 2) I love an excuse to buy new polish. I usually toss it out when it starts to smell weird or the consistency gets too thick.

Polish Remover - I buy the cheapest possible nail polish remover (yay, dollar store) and try to opt for something somewhat "nourishing." I once bought an inexpensive bottle of straight-up acetone from Target and regretted it thoroughly... Way harsh, Tai.

Cotton pads - Not maxis. I always buy the astoundingly expensive makeup-removing cotton pads to ply the remover because it's infinitely more enjoyable than trying to wrangle a cotton ball or napkin. And I loathe those reusable sponge-filled nail polish remover tubs. While I salute conservation, those things are nasty and ineffective.

Nail clippers - My mom usually gets me a nail kit every year for Christmas. Cute, right? I don't buy fancy clippers. When the ones I'm using start sucking, I replace them. NBD.

Nail file - I'm a total nail file snob. I hate the cardboard/sandpaper deals and opt for metal files that come to a nice, thin point. I've read that these shouldn't be used because they're too harsh blah blah blah but they last forever, do a great job, and double as the perfect tool with which to remove the dried blood under your nails. What more could you want?

2. Remove the old residue.

Scrub every scrap of old polish of each digit. Wash your hands after to clean off any lingering chemicals and help the forthcoming coat of paint endure.

3. Recon and refine.

Ogle each individual nail and give it a good once-over. Trim nail, if need be. File it smooth. Push back your cuticle with your nails or whatever poking tool is handy. Look at your hand vainly. Pretend you're a bored receptionist in a movie from 1962.

I read somewhere that you should only file your nail in one direction instead of that fabulously efficient back-and-forth nail excoriation because it's somehow less damaging to your talon. I find that this is a pile of crap and makes the manicure process 928% less enjoyable.

4. Ply the polish.

And now we've reached the anal-retentive portion of the program. I can't explain why I'm so particular about this but when you've done something approximately 928 million times, you get a routine going.

First, I shake the crap out of the polish bottle to mix up any separated substances. I think you're supposed to roll it between your hands to avoid creating air bubbles but I'm a rebel, Dottie. A rebel.

I open the bottle and carefully, swipe it on the side of the rim so that there's a glob of polish only on one side of the brush. I place the glob just above the cuticle in the middle of the nail, push down to the cuticle and swipe upward, creating a perfect strip in the nail's midsection. Without re-dipping the brush, I then swipe on either side of the nail and then once more in the middle, for good measure. Repeat nine times or eight or seven, depending on the number of years you've worked with farm equipment.

Let dry for five full minutes. Don't cheat. Admire Tim Gunn's adorabililty. Ponder Tyra's fear of dolphins.

Apply coat number two in much the same fashion. Hang out for ten minutes while it dries. Seriously, do nothing but watch What Not to Wear or you risk injuring your pristine polish.

...Et voilà!

Now you are beautiful.

The Epicene Scene

2011-03-05T21:54:00.005-05:00

2/25/11

(As per yoosh, click on a pic to see more from the series.)

I've been experimenting with makeup of late. A perfect storm of life changes that inspire reinvention and an awesome buddy who has begun peddling Avon has created a greedy makeup monster.

Red lips. The seemingly easiest go-to for those of us inexpert at plying beauty products and yet, for me, the most intimidating. I found this shade at Kohl's and not only do I totally heart the color, the way it wears - nonsticky and nonglossy - suits me.

Nice mustache, Becky.

earrings - gift

sweater - Old Navy, I think

dress - super old

boots - thrift

boot scarf - thrift

Bonus photo:

Speaking of mustaches...

This is from the Stardust Fashion Runway Show at the Northside Tavern in Cincinnati on Jan. 29.... A little tribute to Teddy Roosevelt.

(Photo of me by David Sorcher for Metro mix.)

Thanks to Josh Flowers for documenting this fabulous evening.

Reduce, Renew, Restyle

2011-02-21T23:18:00.006-05:00

My life has been undergoing a slew of changes of late.

Yeah, yeah, you say. Excuses, excuses.

Well, it's true! Seriously! I'm moving and changing jobs and all sorts of crazy crap. And to celebrate the serious of upgrades I've been experiencing, I gave the ol' blog a makeover.

I'm not married to the new look so please sing out with your thoughts. I know you will!

Click on the pic to see a series of photos from that day.

2/12/11

dress - vintage
clogs - Free People

scarf - some random shop in Ann Arbor, MI

2/13/11

top - Free People

shirt - vintage Army

necklace - A Gal Named Cinda Lou in Westerville, OH

jeans - Guess?

silver flats - Old Navy

2/15/11

dress - vintage Betsey Johnson from Captain Betty's in Delaware, OH

2/18/11

dress - Forever 21

flats - Nine West

sweater - Target

Getting Caught Up in Getting Caught Up

2010-10-03T22:34:00.007-04:00

Click on the picture below to see a set of images from that day.

8/19

Beret Parade

hat - Free People

dress - Uhhh. Kohl's?

skirt - Free People

shoes - Nine West

8/20

Another hiking trip, another little dress

dress - secondhand from the Gap

shoes - BC Footwear

8/22

You must wear hats in Lexington, KY... Or at least try them on when you visit Pop's.

Bonus: Click the hat image for pictures of my super old, decrepit phone that was finally retired in August.

8/23

This little teal slip is another treasure from Lexington... Love!

sweater - Target

dress - Old Navy

slip - Black Market in Lexington, KY

sandals - Forever 21

9/10

When I began interviewing for other jobs, I started getting braver about taking dorky blog pics in the office...

top - Free People

dress - Free People

wedges - American Eagle

necklace - Night Owl Crafts

9/11

Pretty sure that Freddie Mercury would have approved of the ensemble I wore to his birthday party at Grammar's in Cincinnati...

rhinestone jumpsuit - an antique shop in Delaware, OH

ruffle bralette - Honeydew

earrings - They're my sister's.

heels - Jeffrey Campbell

9/13

I'm the Chairman of the Bored.

top - old old old

necklace - Fabricate in Cincinnati

skirt - NVision in Northside Cincinnati

booties - courtesy of my momma

9/17

I think Elvis and Freddie Mercury would have gotten along famously.

tunic - vintage, from a shop in Cincinnati that is no more

leggings - Lamixx

gold flats - I couldn't say.

Wrinkles in Time (and Dresses)

2010-10-03T21:55:00.004-04:00

I have been a derelict blogger of late.

As a kind of pathetic explanation, I've been awfully busy: a new job, a fashion show, a photo shoot and a dozen mini adventures.

For your gratification, here are a few of the outfits I've been remiss in posting. In the coming days, I'll share some awesome fashion show pics and other fun events. I promise.

Click on the picture below to see a set of images from that day.

8/10

So all that stuff I said about how my new shelf system is soooooo easy to keep neat? Yeah, forget that.

black top - super old!

jumper - thrift, altered

belt - thrift

shoes - gift from my momma

8/11/10

My camera made this picture all washed-out. Sometimes it's much artsier than I.

dress - TJ Maxx

belt - It's the belt off a dress I got at Kohl's.

sweater - Marshal's

shoes - another gift of me mom

8/12

I got this belt at the US 127 Yard Sale. That alone makes it awesome.

earrings - Target

dress - also Target

Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Sex* - Did I mention my mom gives me amazing gifts?

belt - yard sale

shoes - Kohls

8/13/10

I just wanted to show off these here shoes.

earrings - a gift from an amazing buddy named Bree

dress - Buffalo Exchange in NOLA

shoes - Nine West from DSW

8/16

Not my best work but in my defense, this skirt is tough for me to style. I'm always worried I'll end up looking like one of those ladies who lunch.

earrings - my momma

top - Free People

skirt - I got it at Goodwill but it's from someplace like Ann Taylor.

shoes - Kohls

8/17

Preparing to make an emergency exit... To a new job!

dress - TJ Maxx

sweater - Marshal's

shoes - TJ Maxx

necklace - Night Owl Crafts on Etsy

The Terrible Twos

2010-09-02T14:32:00.003-04:00

Speaking of birthdays, today is my blog anniversary! HURRAY! Two years and running!

The traditional second anniversary gift is cotton. Good thing I bought myself a very cute Free People cotton top yesterday...

Special Days

2010-09-02T13:53:00.003-04:00

My birthday was a month ago (ugh, my updating is so pathetic) so here are a few selected highlights from various celebrations...

8/3

The entire two weeks before my birthdate of Aug. 6, I was in Special Day Mode. I wore this to work because it just made me very happy. The belt, the dress, the shoes... perfect.

dress - Tulle
belt - Anthropologie
shoes - The Limited/Express/NY & Co... one of those

8/5

This is one of my favorite dresses ever. It's so comfy... Perfect for pre-birthday wear!

dress - From Pangea in Clifton
shoes - From TJ Maxx

8/6

Birthdays call for leather fringe...

...And, of course, the Birthday Tiara.

tiara - My momma bought it for me!
top - Old Navy
skirt - thrift
sandals - BC Footwear

8/7

We went to Lake Cumberland for some proper festivities. I was elated, as you can see.

bathing suit - From Pangea in Clifton

Sports Analogies

2010-08-30T12:43:00.003-04:00

7/31

When attending a Cincinnati Red's game, there is only one requirement: Wear the aforementioned color.

My birthday was Aug. 6 but Momma got these for me at the Dayton Art Institute a few days early.

If we look a little sweaty it's only because it was 928 degrees. Left to right: My dad, my sister's fiancée Alex, my sister Laurie, me!

dress - It's so old, I couldn't say.
brown tank - Ditto.
belt - Francesca's Collections
earrings - The Dayton Art Institute gift shop
brown flats - Old Navy

BONUS PHOTO

This is Laurie's cat, Geni. If you're ever feeling insecure about your weight, she is a garanteed ego-booster.

The Future is Old

2010-08-30T12:32:00.001-04:00

In a moment of lunacy, I just purchased a fancy new spacephone. I still can't fully explain why.

But here I am and here it is and here is a new old ring I just bought.

And here's to change!

Love and Puppies

2010-08-17T14:29:00.003-04:00

7/30

Mary is my life mentor. As my boss (she hated being called my boss) at my last job, she patiently guided me into the world of practical environmental outreach. Needless to say, I miss her and our trust third musketeer, Kelly, quite a bit.

Last month, Mary had to have surgery to remove a fibroid. She came out of it just fine - She named the fibroid Ruprecht and had a "coming out" party for him. At her party, we just happened to have all the employees past and present of Boone County Solid Waste and opted to snap this family picture of us all.

Left to right: Rosie, current intern; Melissa, past Enforcement Officer; Kelly, current Enforcement Officer; me, past Environmental Educator; Mary, forever the Solid Waste Services Supervisor

The party was at Kelly's. This is her super precious Miniature Pinscher, Princess.

She's awfully friendly.

striped top - Forever 21
dress - thrift
shoes - BC Footwear

7/31

The next day, my family took a little trip to the Dayton Art Institute as an early celebration of my birthday (it was August 6). So fun! And a fine looking family, too, if I do say so myself.

Hardy Har

2010-08-16T14:04:00.003-04:00

7/28

I got these shoes at the Gap Outlet last year for a somewhat sensible price. Imagine my surprise when I just recently discovered that they are, in fact, Pierre Hardy for Gap. Who knew?

Though I love them, I hardly wear these sandals because they make me feel like a transvestite. Not that there's anything wrong with that.

I suppose the leg hair only adds to the androgeny.

sunglasses - vintage
dress - Kohl's
necklace - Urban Outfitters
shoes - The Gap

BONUS PHOTO

Dear Nala,
No one wants to see a "come hither" expression on a kitty.
Yours,
Becky

Schizophrenic Dressing

2010-08-13T14:19:00.003-04:00

7/27

I would say that it's annoying dressing for two climates - the blazing hot melting summer outside and the frigidly air conditioned interior of my office - but I'm almost always composing ensembles for dual purposes. Work and play, professional and personality-infused, day and night, adult and childlike...

So, whatever. Bring it on, outfit challenges!

Mandatory cubicle cardigan

cardigan - TJ Maxx
dress - Old Navy?
belt - Francesca's Collections (I looooove it. Saw the exact same belt from Free People at twice the cost.)
flats - Old Navy
ring - gift!

From my Match Your Food series: Iced chai

More in the series:
Pink cookies
Green tea

BONUS PHOTO

Mico is not amused.

Anthropomorphism at Its Finest

2010-08-05T15:09:00.003-04:00

7/23

I don't think this is what I wore on 7/23 but for the life of me, I can't figure out what day this was. Well, I guess that's what I get for having a weeks-long delay...

80's YARD SALE EARRING ATTACK!

Frankie Lu is never impressed with my accessories.

Seriously. 25 cent earring heaven.

earrings - yard sale
dress - Dana Buchman at Kohl's
shoes - Kohl's as well, actually

BONUS PHOTO

I found this little guy chillin outside of my office.

Me: Must be our new coworker (guffaw)!
Coworker: Oh, that's Randall. He works in the sub-basement.

Impersonating Pin-ups

2010-08-04T13:38:00.003-04:00

7/22

I love this leather skirt. The fabric adds edge to what would otherwise be a positively boring garment.

And, okay, I like the way by backside looks in it.

Paging Betty Grable...

top - Tulle
skirt - thrift
shoes - Reba

BONUS PHOTO

I caught the ghosts jumping on my bed...

Hibiscus and Gravy

2010-08-03T14:30:00.005-04:00

7/18

Long-sleeved shirts in the dead of summer? Why not?

I always dress to match the foliage.

Steamy day...

hair flower - I don't remember
pink top - Free People
blue bandeau - Francesca's Collections
shorts - thrift
flats - If you don't know by now, I'm certainly not going to tell you. Okay, they're from Old Navy.

BONUS PHOTO

KITTY CLAW HIGH-FIVE!

A confession: This post has nothing to do with gravy. I just love dumb puns.

Medicines and Mysteries

2010-08-02T14:02:00.001-04:00

7/12

When I call in sick to work, my favorite thing in the world is to go to Urban Outfitters. There's something about being there in a cough syrup coma that just really appeals to me.

I found myself too sick to work but still, miraculously, well enough to go shopping recently and picked up this black dress on clearance. Not bad for the heavily medicated.

Oh and these are one of the pairs of earrings I got at that awesome yard sale in Warsaw, Kentucky.

My sister said I look like one of the ladies in the old PBS Mystery! Intro...

Hm. Watch it here.

This look got a lot of compliments, which suprised me. It is easily the most comfortable thing I've ever worn.

Okay, maybe top ten...

As you can see, we have pretty tight security at our place. Attack cat: Go!

dress - Urban Outfitters
earrings - yard sale
tube bra - Francesca's Collections
belt - thrift
sandals - BC Footwear

Rural Sugar

2010-07-29T15:06:00.004-04:00

6/17

I spent this Saturday with my Mom and Dad. I didn't bother to try on the outfit I packed and when I finally donned it, it was a little, shall we say, revealing. So I threw my night shirt on over it and called it a day.

Hah.

My parents' backyard is full of wonders.

t-shirt - Old Navy
earrings - Mahatma
body suit - thrift
shorts - thrift
shoes - Old Navy

BONUS PHOTO

That afternoon the 'rents and I went for a little drive along the Ohio River. This is the Dairy Queen in Warsaw, Kentucky. Good place for a little sugar, no? Mom and Dad are the cutest.

On the way home, we went past a yard sale that offered tube tops in all colors of the rainbow. While I abstained from strapless temptation, I did purchase the most incredible '80s earrings. I can't wait to show them to you.

Shaped by Laziness

2010-07-28T13:57:00.004-04:00

I'm not really in love with either of these outfits so I thought I'd make it a double header and go for quantity over quality...

6/6

This is a skirt I wore in the window of A Gal Named Cinda Lou when I did my window modeling. I loved it so much, I bought it.

I have a tripod but I'm too lazy to bust it out. That means that when I take pics like these, I am stowing my camera on ledges and window sills and praying that it doesn't tumble to the ground before the picture snaps.

That is why you'll sometimes see me at odd angles like this...

...And this.

necklace - a head shop in NOLA
top - TJ Maxx
skirt - vintage, A Gal Named Cinda Lou
shoes - TJ Maxx

6/7

If I took the tripod to the back yard, I wouldn't have to resort to picture gimmicks like this.

Though, okay, gimmicks are fun.

This is almost the same look the cats give me when I catch them sitting on the table.

vest - thrift
dress - Kohl's
necklace - Night Owl Crafts
ring - a shop on Magazine Street in NOLA
shoes - Mustard Seed Boutique

BONUS PHOTO

I never used to make the bed but it turns out that Frankie Lu's one redeeming quality (besides her fluffy cuteness) is her hilarious ability to turn bed-making enjoyable. She spend the entire time fighting with the sheet, rolling around in the comforter, and falling off the bed.

Try not to laugh too hard at my pitiful cleavage.

Plays Games, All Sorts

2010-07-22T13:53:00.003-04:00

6/28

I have tremendous feet. My mom, who wears the same size 10s that I do, says, "we don't blow over easy in a wind storm!"

That is why, when I find vintage shoes, I become simply elated. These old school beauties are from an antique shop in Westerville.

They're so prim that I really like wearing them sans socks.

The last documented photo of Mary Poppins.

dress - The Gap
earrings - I made them, actually.
shoes - vintage

BONUS PHOTO

From my Match Your Food series: Green tea

Another in the series: Pink cookies

Fest Wishes

2010-07-21T14:05:00.004-04:00

6/26

ComFest was the last weekend in June and, if you're not familiar with Columbus, it's an all-out three day hippie happening, repleat with beers, bands, bare boobies and more tie-dye vendors than you can shake a dreadlock at.

This little dress was pretty perfect for the day. It's not very practical under any other circumstances.

It even scored a compliment from a fellow fest-er!

ComFest story: I bought a lovely pair of earrings from one of the vendors and then, a half hour later, realized I'd dropped a $20 bill at her stall. I trudged back, all saddness, only to discover that the earring-maker had found my money, saved it for me, and handed it over when she saw me again. I told her I fell in love with her. She just laughed.

It takes a lot of work to maintain this ghostly pallor so I brought a parasol my boyfriend lovingly plucked from a yardsale for me. It got a million compliments - If an umbrella trend springs up next year, you'll know who to blame.

dress - Free People
bralette - Anthropologie
sunglasses - Target
shorts - thift
flats - Old Navy

See what I wore to ComFest last year...

BONUS PHOTO(S)

All three cats loafed around my "walk-in closet" while I got dressed.

It's their favorite room in the house.

On the Relative Brightness of the Future

2010-07-14T13:04:00.004-04:00

6/22

Just hanging out in the backyard dressed like I'm from the future. No big deal.

"Tell me more about your flying car."

sunglasses - Second Chance in Grandview
top - TJ Maxx
skirt - vintage Dior
shoes - Vera Wang from Kohl's

Family Circus

2010-07-13T14:25:00.004-04:00

6/20

For Father's Day, I met up with my family in northern Kentucky and we all went to Lexington to visit my dad's dad. Here is my sister Laurie and our Momma all geared up to go.

I made Laurie go out to Mom's lovely tri-colored hydrangea bush for some fashion photos.

It started off pretty well...

... But then I just had to push her over. Muah hah hah!

Me: Look pensive, dammit!

denim tunic - Tulle
earrings - vintage
leggings - Free People
flats - Kohl's

I don't know about Laurie's outfit or else I'd tell ya.

BONUS PHOTO

I sure know how to add class to a family outing...
(And no, I didn't even eat the poor sea creature. I'm a vegetarian.)

Window Model Citizen

2010-07-12T14:01:00.004-04:00

More time warp! Not to worry!

6/25

This was my big day as a window model at A Gal Named Cinda Lou in Uptown Westerville, Ohio. I basically spent a couple of hours perturbing kids and scaring the crap out older ladies. I wasn't trying to trick people - I never stood still - but people were just not expecting a real life person in the window. I laughed the entire time.

We chose something like ten outfits and this was the first. At the end of the night, I donned a vintage black bathing suit (that the store-owning Bennati family subsequently gave to me!) and an elderly man, seeing me in the window, came in and said, "Well, that's almost embarassing." More laughter.

This was during Uptown Westerville's Fouth Friday event and around 5,000 people strolled through town.

You can see the wonderful Julia Bennati in this picture, co-owner of A Gal Named Cinda Lou and all-around awesome person.

Mrs. Bennati stood outside of the shop and overheard two middle shool-aged boys talking.
Boy 1: She winked at me!
Boy 2: Pff. She HAS to.

Everything is from A Gal Named Cinda Lou except the shoes, which are vintage.

I would also like to note that just before I did this, I'd gone to Phia Salon in the Short North neighborhood. Annah cut and styled my hair and I have to say, I'm in love with her.
Me: I want a big, huge lion's mane.
Annah: I love big hair!

She specializes in curly coifs so if you're looking for a lady who knows her stuff, I totally recommend her. Tell her Becky sent ya.

Many many thanks to Tim Nicholson for these photos! I'm still hoping to find a few more pics in different outfits so stay tuned!

Pantless and Tattoo'd

2010-07-09T14:24:00.003-04:00

6/16

Ugh. Why do I ever wear pants? I mean, this little tunic thing clearly wants to be worn with pants but I'm becoming more and more convinced that I should just stick to skirts.

Although this would be slightly more difficult to do in a dress...

top - TJ Maxx
pants - Target
earrings - Pangea in Cincinnati?
shoes - vintage

BONUS PHOTO

Greg (my boyfriend) - Want to give me a tattoo?
Me: Yes. It'll be a boat. What kind do you want? River boat? Sail boat?
Greg: VIKING SHIP.
Me: Okay. What will be on the sail?
Greg: A SNAKE WRAPPED AROUND A SWORD!
Me: Done.

Mail Order Pride

2010-07-08T13:32:00.004-04:00

As you may have noticed, my posts are experiencing a bit of a time warp. Ride out this fit of anachronism with me, if you would.

6/12

The Greedy Discounted Free People Online Ordering Monster (GDFPOOM) strikes again. Not only does she have a bizarre name, she spends too much time and money trolling the interwebs for superfluous (but clearance!) clothing.

This top was in the ethereal Bargain Bin on the Internet. I love it so.

Mail order is totally habit-forming.

top - Free People
earrings - Mahatma in Cincinnati
shorts - thrift
shoes - Old Navy?

Whatever You Doo Dah

2010-07-06T14:20:00.005-04:00

I hope you had a happy Fourth of July!

7/2

I celebrated our independence with shots of red, white, and blue all weekend long.

I'm not the most nationalistic person I know but I am all about themed outfits.

jacket - thrift
dress - thrift, originally from Old Navy, I think
shoes - They're from a great little boutique that has since closed up shop
sunglasses - A Gal Named Cinda Lou in Westerville, Ohio

BONUS PHOTO

My boyfriend's family came over to our place to watch the Doo Dah parade, an anarchistic undertaking in the style of the most fiercly independent. You can see more pictures of that here.

Cameos of All Kinds

2010-06-29T13:51:00.003-04:00

6/10

Nala is always trying to upstage me.

dress - yard sale
cardigan - The Gap?
cameo pin - gift
shoes - TJ Maxx

What do you ask of your shoes?

2010-06-28T16:24:00.007-04:00

I had a stupendous time being a window model... Pictures and more soon!

6/7

These shoes were an extranneous $10 purchase but they totally brightened my morning. I suppose that's all you can ask of new shoes.

Note: The wedges were not very helpful when navigating rocks.

dress - The Gap
shoes - American Eagle, or something like that, via TJ Maxx
bracelet - gift

Life Goal #928: Achieved!

2010-06-25T09:43:00.003-04:00

I'm going to a "living mannequin" tonight!

The totally awesome folks at A Gal Named Cinda Lou, a vintage shop in Westerville (just oustide of Columbus) have asked me to be a window model during the Fourth Friday shindig tonight from 7 p.m. to 9.

They're expecting 5,000 people and I'm expecting at least nine costume changes so if you get a chance, you should come!

Comment Sense

2010-06-23T13:52:00.003-04:00

6/2

This hat is a real comment-getter. Everyone had something to say about it from my coworker - "You look like you need to be picking blackberries in a rural field!" - to my boyfriend - "You actually wore that to work?"

It's slightly too small for my mane-covered dome so I wear it at a jaunty angle.

I just couldn't pass it up when I saw it.

hat - vintage, Flower Child
polka-dot top - It was a gift bought at Express at least 7 years ago.
dress - I got it at TJ Maxx but I can't recall the brand.
shoes - ditto

For the after work look, I just removed the button-up and slipped in to sandals. For reasons I can't fully explain, it looks weirdly risqué in this picture.

Pump Up the Huh?

2010-06-22T14:02:00.002-04:00

I don't have any clothing shots for you but I do have...

AN INFLATABLE TURKEY!

He makes a great decorative item and could always be used as a DD in a pinch.

Of Boots, Brunches, and Burns

2010-06-18T15:17:00.003-04:00

5/20

I love that it's yard sale season. You can find so many awesome fun finds for an absolute steal at a yard sale. For example, I got these boots at a community yard sale a year or two ago for something like $3.

I actually took part in our community yard sale a week or two ago and made enough money to satisfy my goal: Purchasing a totally delicious Sunday brunch for the boyfriend and myself.

We went to the Starliner Diner in Hilliard and had Cuban French toast. Mission accomplished.

jacket - The Gap, approx. 927 years ago
dress - Kohl's
boots - yard sale
boot scarf - thrift

BONUS PHOTO

My sister and I are very alike. Here you can see that, while we were both very rigorous about applying and reapplying sunscreen one day while doing yard work, we both neglected to protect our upper rump regions from the rays of the sun.

We are also both totally into cutoff shorts, apparently.

Public Undie Procession

2010-06-16T17:02:00.002-04:00

5/20

When my boyfriend's dad sent us a link to an article about the AXE Undie Run at OSU, he thought it might be good for a laugh. Little did he know that I was more than happy to show up for a good cause sans clothes.

(Thanks to K Rob's Photo World. ) Can you spot me?

What I wore:

Some of my friends who saw the group shot above accused me of wearing a bikini. As if! As if I would miss a chance to show off my fancy undergarments!

Both pieces by Honeydew.

More info on the Undie Run.

The Sagacious and the Bohemian

2010-06-15T08:24:00.005-04:00

5/19

Every dress I own is too short for work. Oh well. Deal with the kneecap, coworkers!

I love this nail polish. It was $1 at a cute store in Easton called francesca's collections and the day after I bought it, I saw that a Chanel version of the very same color was announced as "the color for summer." I win!

jacket - vintage
pin - thrift
dress - Kohl's
shoes - from my Momma

I'm rather conflicted about long dresses. I love this one but whenever I wear it, I can't shake the overwhelming hippie vibe.

sweater - Uh. I don't know. It's quite old.
dress - Forever 21

Going Both Ways

2010-06-07T13:42:00.004-04:00

Ever since I started my Official Office Attire job last November, I've wanted to take two pics each day - A work look and an evening look. But even though I almost always change clothes when I return from a long day in my cubical, I haven't gotten up the gumption.

Either my work outfit was too normal or my evening outfit was unworthy or I forgot to take a work picture before I changed into casual clothes. The excuses could go on forever.

But here, for the first time, is a work-to-play transition. Ta da!

5/17

For the office: pointy shoes and a new vintage orange jacket. (Still the orange! I'm obsessed!)

jacket - vintage from Einstein's Closet in Kent, Ohio
dress - Free People
shoes - The brand escapes me but I got them at TJ Maxx

After work, a frayed ephemeral mini dress and flats.

And kitty kisses!

dress - Rag-O-Rama
jeans - Forever 21
flats - I think they're a gift from my mom. Or they're from Old Navy.

Out of the Closet

2010-06-04T13:29:00.005-04:00

I have a "walk-in closet" which is really a guest room that is full of my ridiculous mountain of clothing, shoes, and accessories. I suppose any kind of cursory examination of this blog could tell you that there is an ungodly amount of fashion accutrement that I must somehow harbor. This is the story of that cavern of crap.

Before

For a long time, I had a sizeable dresser in which I kept most things. Well, I meant to keep most things there. I actually ended up keeping them in a pile on the floor.

Pros: Easy access, easy to see what I have, and easy for the cats to find a place to nap.
Cons: Shit gets dirty and clothes get pummelled. I irrevocably destroyed a bra (and seriously harmed my foot) when I stomped on its front-closure clasp.

Out of the blue, I decided that I wanted a wall of shelves on which to store this stuff. The plan came into action when I went to Target and found shelves on sale for $16. I'll take five, please.

After

After spending a week assembling and arranging the shelves, this is what the room looked like. The pros of visuality and easy access without the cons of dirt and destruction.

And the cats can still nap in a basket, if they need to.

Organizing everything at first was a pain. I sorted everything by type (here are the tank top and short-sleeved shirt shelves) and then color. Though the color thing isn't working out too great, everything else is awesome. I can get inspired by something I see, easily scout out pieces that go together, and keep it all pretty neat. I find that it's really easy to keep clean. The room hasn't deteriorated into filth once since I set up the shelving system.

I totally recommend it.

Runner-up names for this post: Shelf Life, Nice Rack, Containing My Excitement

Comparisons and Derisions

2010-06-03T14:13:00.005-04:00

5/13

The dust ruffle got a lot of compliments this day. That makes me feel a little better about Taylor Swift biting my style.

J/K, Tay.

I've been told a few times that I look like a cartoon character (most notably by a pack of middle school kids) and looking at this picture, I have to agree.

dress - Kohl's
slip - Free People
shoes - the Gap Outlet
headband - I'm not sure. Someone gave it to me, I think.

5/14

When I work half days, I wear all the stuff that is too uncomfortable to wear an entire day. So this half day, I was wearing the sqashy dress, itchy jakcet, and pinchy shoes that I love but that do not love me back.

itchy jacket - vintage/thrift
squashy dress - Free People
pinchy shoes - I can't remember the brand but they were on super clearance at DSW.
ring - vintage

BONUS PHOTO

Nala is not impressed.

Afflictions Imaginary and Overcome

2010-06-02T13:37:00.004-04:00

5/8

This was a Fat Day.

As a postmodern lady, I don't like to admit these sorts of dysmorphic situations exist because I'm immediately taken back to high school and silly girls babbling back and forth, "You're not fat! I'm fat!" "You're not fat! I'm fat!"

I hate that being overweight is a crippling social stigma and I hate that ladies feel any kind of pressure to have a specific body type.

That said, this was a day where for purely hormonal reasons, I felt like I had gained three pant sizes overnight.

Obesity psychoses be damned.

tank - Free People
long-sleeved top - American Eagle?
jeans - Free People
shoes - from my Momma

5/11

Even more unnerving than body dysmorphic disorder is the disease I've contracted that forces me to purchase Free People garments online.

Mail order is so fun! And income-disabling!

This top was on sale on the interwebs and that is how it came to be mine.

top - Free People
headband - Pangea in Cincinnati
pants - French Connection
shoes - Imagine by John Camuto

In other news:

It's official! Ms. Francis Luella is in perfect health!

Her lump is gone and any traces of sarcoma have fled! She's just your average happy, crazy kitten.

Hurray!

I bleed chartreuse.

2010-05-29T14:15:00.003-04:00

5/3

Chartreuse shoes are a good way to cure the blues.

dress - Kohl's

black jacket - vintage

shoes - Uhhh... I'll confess. I get NY & Co., Express, and those types of mall stores confused. I bought them at Easton at one of those "Hip ladies who work 9 to 5" stores.

5/4

And then there was sun.

These shoes, though towering, are remarkably comfortable. Hiking heels.

sweater - Kohl's

dress - Pangaea in Clifton

shoes - Banana Republic (via the Gap Outlet... loving sigh...)

New Shoes, New You

2010-05-26T13:54:00.004-04:00

4/30

More orange. For a color that doesn't look too great on me, I tend to wear it a lot.

Totally candid. Har har.

It's always nice to work with a good audience...

dress - thrift
jacket - thrift
shoes - Target
headband - I couldn't say.

5/2

A Sunday of Firsts

Ugh.

These shoes are so nasty ugly that I can hardly look at them. The overall hideousness of functionable sneakers has been a major contributor to my sloth - If you can't bring yourself to don fugly gym shoes, then you can't very well go to the gym.

But while at TJ Maxx, I happened upon these and it got me thinking about how nice it might be to go for a walk without limping home like a polio contractee in a triathalon. In a moment of sartorial blindness, I bought them. What the hell. They were on sale and have touches of my favorite green, though that really does nothing to ameliorate their more unattractive aspects.

And then, Sunday morning I woke up and thought, "I bet I could go for a run." Just like that. I hate running even more than I despise homely footwear but I just got out of bed and did it. And, for the record, I can't go for a run. I run/walk a couple miles but that's as far as it goes.

And not to truly terrify you but I kind of liked it.

So once I was home and showered and gazing at my dripping 'do in the bathroom mirror, I wondered what it would be like to blow dry my hair. I'd never done myself and in past, I'd always hated it when various hair stylists did it to me.

But I was there, the blow dryer was there, and my wet hair was all there so I gave it a shot. I actually had to google drying directions.

This was the result. I don't like it because it's super crunchy but my boyfriend is a big fan.

To round out the day, I went to my first ever laughing yoga class. It is extremely - and I can't emphasize this enough - exceptionally, exponentially weird to be lying on the floor in a circle with a dozen or so strangers who are forcing themselves to laugh hysterically. But if you turn off those little alarms in your brain - the ones that are screaming, "OMG you are in the company of lunatics!" - and give it a go, it can actually be kind of fun.

I felt better afterwards, anyway.

Hurray for adventure.

Frankie, My Dear

2010-05-21T22:05:00.005-04:00

4/29

I realize that have a totally kitty-encrusted blog post may make me appear crazy. What the hell.

I love this dumb cat. As for her health, I have an appointment at a vet tomorrow morning to get a second opinion on her possible sarcoma. Her lump hasn't gotten any bigger so here's hoping for a brighter prognosis.

She's so psychotically spry it's hard to believe that she might be sick.

red slip - thrift

dress - Free People

earrings - Night Owl Crafts on Etsy

shoes - Old Navy

To the Future and Behind

2010-05-12T14:11:00.003-04:00

4/27

I instituted an entirely new clothing conatainment system, as you can see. More on that later.

1983 called. It said keep the blazer.

blazer - thrift
belt - I actually bought it new at a roadside curiousity shop somewhere in nethers of Kentucky.
dress - Kohl's
shoes - thrift

See the ruffles hanging out of the bottom of this here skirt? They belong to a little half-slip from Free People. It was a treat because, though on sale, it was still an exorbitant amount of money. Good thing I freaking love it.

It's great for keeping my backside under wraps. It's the rare article of clothing that's actually got your back.

Unusually nude nails

top - Forever 21
skirt - thrift from Rag-O-Rama
ruffle slip - Free People
boots - thrift

Orange You Glad

2010-05-11T13:00:00.003-04:00

4/22

I feel like I say this a lot but seriously, this is one of my favorite dresses of all time.

Coworker: What's on your dress?
Me: It is what I imagine a medieval acid trip would look like.
Coworker: Uh... Oh.

sweater - Banana Republic
dress - vintage
shoes - Target

4/26

Our upstairs neighbors take care of our back yard and they do an incredibly awesome job. All of this furniture is theirs and they mow the law, mulch the flowers and tend to a small garden that includes raspberries and strawberries.

I love them for this but that still doesn't mean that I would want to run into them while taking these dorky fashion photos. On this occasion, I snapped and ran.

The strawberries are blooming!

This orange was not grown in our garden but was, in fact, delicious.

sunglasses - Urban Outfitters
jacket - vintage
dress - thrift
shoes - I got them at the Gap Outlet but I can't remember if they're Gap, Old Navy, or Banana Republic.

For Motorcyclists and Matrons

2010-05-10T14:16:00.005-04:00

4/17

Nala, the original feline plus-sized model.

The day I wore this, Grego and I ended up at an extremely sketchy but entertaining flea market on the west side of Columbus. I'd like to think I fit right in with the biker booth there, the one that had a mannequin clad only in thigh-high boots and Harley-Davidson underpants.

This is how a Hell's Angel looks, right?

top - Free People
halter dress - Free People
leggings - Lamixx
boots & scarf - thrift

4/19

I bought this vintage dress at an Ohio Thrift that was just up the street from the thrift store. I could have filled a car with all of the amazing finds from that place. One item considered but passed up for purchase: a handmade linen tunic and matching capri pants with yarn fringe, circa 1976, for $1.

The elderly lady who owned this frock before it came into my life must have had tiny little arms... I ended up stretching and rolling the cuffs to remedy the inadvertant three-quarter sleeve look.

earrings - I'm going to guess Pangea in Cincinnati
dress - Ohio Thrift on W. Broadway in Columbus
tights and shoes - Forever 21

The Best Plaid Plans

2010-05-07T13:10:00.003-04:00

4/14

If the zodiac sign Leo was a person, this is what I imagine she'd look like.

Mane? Check. Bright dress? Check. Red shoes? Yep. Attitude? Hell yes.

gun earrings - I got them in a really cool shop in Ann Arbor, near the university.
dress - vintage
belt - It came with a different skirt I bought from a secondhand shop in Chicago.
shoes - They're from a great little shoe boutique in Northside, Cincinnati that I think has closed.

4/16

Just because she might be sick doesn't mean my sister and I won't continue to cuddle Ms. Frankie. She gets lovins even if she doesn't want them!

gold headband - Francesca's Collections
black/gold dress - Free People
sweater - JC Penney

Good Shoes, Bad News

2010-05-05T12:47:00.003-04:00

4/9

Let's start a dance shoe revolution. All you ignomious office dwellers, don your dancing duds to work!

Who's with me?

jacket - Goodwill
dress - I'm not sure... TJ Maxx?
leggings - Free People
shoes - vintage

4/12

Frankie Lu is always trying to steal the show.

You can sense her, just out of frame here, waiting to pounce on my fancy heels...

jacket - Forever 21
dress - Target
shoes - TJ Maxx

Sad News About Ms. Frankie Lu:
Since the kitten has become the star of this blog anyways - the stylish little scene-stealer - I wanted to share with you that we got some bad news from the vet. Frankie has grown a small lump on her back and her doctor thinks that it's vaccine-associated sarcoma, a kind of kitty cancer. We're going to get a second opinion on this and in the meantime, love the fur off of her. She's as spastic and ridiculous as ever and doesn't seem to feel sick. Keep your fingers crossed for us.

The Ephemeral Nature of Infatuation

2010-05-03T14:07:00.003-04:00

4/6

I realize that this outfit doesn't quite make sense. I'm okay with it.

This was my favorite shirt for exactly one week.

top - Free People
earrings - Pangea?
pants - Uh. Kohl's?
shoes - I really have no idea.

These are the post-office, backyard thunderstorm series.

halter top - the Gap
jeans - Urban Outfitters

Easter Weekend: Part 2

2010-04-28T14:31:00.004-04:00

4/4

If the title of this post was a name of a movie, I would totally go to see it.

Pretty good ensemble for an easy Easter bike ride, no?

headband - Pangea in Clifton
white tunic - Free People
denim dress - Hm. Panea, too, I think.
shoes - vintage

Easter was a two-outfit day. This was the gear for ice cream eating and park going.

Dorky picture but awesome headband. I love this thing. It brings out the Olympian in me.

headband - Francesca’s Collections at Easton
bluish tank top - Free People
tan dress - I dunno. It's very old.
sash - thrift
sandals - Old Navy

Easter Weekend: Part I

2010-04-26T14:41:00.005-04:00

4/2

I get a little more adventurous on Fridays. Like this day, where I decided to wear my new Free People tank top tunic.

It's approximately appropriate for an office, I feel.

jacket - thrift/vintage
brown/green shift - Free People
yellow skirt - Forever 21
brown heels - Mustard Seed Boutique in the Clifton neighborhood of Cincinnati

4/3

Saturday, I went hiking with Mom and Dad at a park in my birthplace of Boone County, Kentucky.

I'd like to send a shout-out to Frankie for those fashionable feet scratches.

Being eaten by the vegetation - Oh how the tables have turned!

The Easter Bunny came a day early and brought my sister and me kaleidoscopes...

... And bubble pipes!

sweatshirt - Free People
printed button-up - thrift
shorts - thrift
shoes - a gift from my Momma

Here's to the badgers.

2010-04-21T14:15:00.005-04:00

3/30

I used to love the fact that everyone I work with knows about my blog. I discovered, however, that when everyone you know knows about your blog, they also know when you don't update your blog. And they badger you.

dress - Tulle
black top - Simply Vera by Vera Wang
leggings - Lamixx
shoes - They were a gift but I think they're by Calvin Klein.

3/31

In other work-realted news, I'm not allowed to wear jeans in the office ever. So I adorn myself in denim whenever I get the chance.

Damn the man!

dress - Old Navy (?)
vest - Free People
sweater - Banana Republic
shoes - Kohl's

Wood Shop

2010-04-08T12:18:00.002-04:00

3/26

I think this wood-panelled print cardigan perfectly sums up the way I feel about office attire.

sweater - TJ Maxx
belt - It came with a secondhand coat.
skirt - Goodwill
shoes - the Gap Outlet

BONUS CRAFT

My favorite thrift store is in Newport, KY and is the sort of place where you can pick up a sweet jumpsuit for $3.

And if you cut off the too-big belt...

...And tie it on the side...

...You can end up with a sweet $3 thrift store romper.

Breech out and touch someone.

2010-04-01T15:40:00.000-04:00

3/24

I could come up with breeches-related puns all day long.

Breech of contract...
Son of a breech...
To breech their own...

Miami breech...
Boxers or breeches...
All within your breech...

Lifestyles of the breech and famous...

sweater - Kohl's maybe?
yellow top - Pangea
breeches - $10 on clearance at Anthropologie!
heels - TJ Maxx

Unfounded Adoration

2010-03-30T14:46:00.002-04:00

3/23

This dress makes me so so happy. I know it doesn't look that flattering but I love it so. I wore it with heels to work and then changed into boots to go to a show.

Me: What do you think, Frankie?
Kitten: I think you need to feed me more ice cream.

dress - Free People from TJ Maxx
slip - thrift
boots - thrift
boot scarf - thrift
leather choker - It was originally a belt that came with something... but I can't remember what.

Give Me Liberty of London or Give Me Thrift

2010-03-29T16:19:00.000-04:00

3/22

These shoes are another pair from my Drag Queen Series. I figure a shapeless shirt could use the flair crossdressers offer.

Guess what part of my body I think looks hot in this skirt...

top - TJ Maxx
skirt - Target
bracelet - Florence Antique Mall in KY
ring - gift
shoes - Jessica Simpson via TJ Maxx

After work, I traded in the platforms for cowboy boots. I was giving a talk to a Sierra Club group about getting involved in Earth Day and decided I wanted to wear all secondhand duds.

So, anyone want to sign up for Earth Day in Columbus?

Oh, and you know that fancy Liberty of London line at Target? A few days after the line debuted at my local Targe, I found this vintage Liberty dress at Flowerchild on High Street here in Columbus. $14!

Bonus: This is actually a romper with a zip-out crotch!

Take that, Target!

jacket - thrift
earrings - vintage from the Rabbit Hash General Store
Liberty romper dress - Flowerchild
boots - thrift

Sunglass Sunday

2010-03-28T11:50:00.002-04:00

I'll be honest with you. I was in my car, waiting for a friend and decided to take pictures of all the sunglasses I could find in the vehicle.

Target

vintage

Hm. I can't recall.

vintage, thrift

vintage

I didn't get to them all...

Your favorites?

Compare, Contrast, Confute

2010-03-26T13:51:00.001-04:00

3/17

I would like to thank NPR for reminding me to wear green. I was already dressed (okay, kind of mostly dressed) when my radio wished me a happy St. Patrick's Day and it was back to the closet for me.

On a semi-related note, I miss getting dressed with Carl Kasell.

Frankie is almost as awesome as Mr. Kasell but she just doesn't have the sonorous voice and avuncular personality. She's mostly squeaky and psychotic.

lovely necklace - nightowlcrafts
green dress - Pangea in Clifton, Cincinnati
sweater - TJ Maxx
wedges - Old Navy

3/19

My boss used the words "matchy-matchy" this morning.

I, for one, am quite a proponent of matchy-matchy. You may have noticed this.

She was disdaining the old ladies who go to Florida and buy the necklace which matches the earrings which match the bracelet which matches the ring. That, I understand. It is too easy.

But when you buy a necklace in one decade at one flea market in one city and then find a bracelet that matches it perfectly in another decade at a different thrift store across the country...

... Well, then, I am all about it.

necklace - from a flea market, I think
bracelet - antique, thrift
black top - JC Penney Outlet
dress - Uh. TJ Maxx?
booties - eBay

High-Style Haiku

2010-03-25T15:12:00.000-04:00

3/15

day two dance shoes, don't
mind if I do don slip-on
cuties with no hue

Whew. I'm spent. That haiku wore me out.

jacket - Good will
dress - Dana Buchman from Kohl's
shoes - an antique shop in Westerville, outside of Columbus

Bows and Arrows

2010-03-24T23:44:00.000-04:00

3/14

It's not often that I am in a ruffle and bow mood but this overcast day called for some cutesy.

Calling all doll-like details!

This cat was PISSED.

vest - Free People

dress - A Gal Named Cinda Lou in Westerville, outside of Columbus

shoes - an antique store in Uptown Westerville

Crop Top of the World

2010-03-22T13:36:00.000-04:00

3/13

When I found this cropped sweater at TJ Maxx, I wondered if I'd ever wear it but I have to say that is is becoming one of my favorite articles ever. This week.

I always dress to match the kitty.

cropped sweater - Free People from TJ Maxx
dress - It's pretty old... I can't remember
jeans - Forever 21
shoes - I got them at the Gap Outlet in Hebron, KY.

Das Booties

2010-03-21T22:37:00.000-04:00

3/12

Dear new white fringy ankle boots,

I love you. Don't ever change.

Yours,

Becky

Just imagine what this photo looked like before I cropped off the bottom... On second thought, don't.

top - I don't know. I've had it for years.

necklace - The Mustard Seed boutique in Cincinnati

skirt - It's a secondhand Dior from Shop Therapy in Cincinnati.

booties - eBay

From the Absurd to the Ridiculous

2010-03-18T12:49:00.000-04:00

3/11

This was one of those mornings where I sleepwalked through the entire getting-ready process. I woke up at work to find I was wearing a lime green dress with tan scruchy boots... Hm!

Zzzzzz...

top - thrift
necklaces - thrift
dress - Oh crap. Express or NY & Co. or the Limited... One of those
boots - thrift

That night, I did something I've never done in my life...

I danced in a choreographed number in a talent show!

I work for a nonprofit professional association of realtors and they put on a talent show every year to raise money for scholarships. My boss offered a spot on the Not Our Day Job Dancers, an amateur (very amateur) dance troupe lead by an inimitable home stager who was a choreographer in a past life (Katy, the lady whose head is above mine).

It went very well... Or so my boyfriend told me.

earrings - Icing, re-painted
dress - Rag-O-Rama
boots - http://myworld.ebay.com/qualityshoesonline/

The Leather Underground

2010-03-17T15:35:00.000-04:00

3/10

Things I didn't think I'd ever do:
Wear a leather skirt to an office job.

Dance partner, looking at my necklace: "Nice pear!"

top - Express?
necklace - an antique mall in Mt. Vernon, OH
skirt - thrift
flats - Oh crap. I can't remember. Express, also? I went to an enormous mall and all the stores run together in my brain.

Wedge Weather

2010-03-16T13:41:00.000-04:00

3/9

Full-on nude toes. It must be spring.

sweater - JC Penney
top - J. Crew, maybe?
pants - Kohl's
shoes - the Gap

What yer momma gave you.

2010-03-15T15:50:00.000-04:00

3/6

Sometimes, I take pictures of myself when I'm waiting around in the car. I wonder what passers-by think when I do that...

sunglasses - Target
shawl - A gift!

3/8

When I got this jacket at a thrift store in Tucson, I had no idea the impact it would have on my life. I love this thing.

jacket - thrift
dress - Simply Vera via Kohl's
belt - It goes with a different skirt.
shoes - Mustard Seed Boutique in the Clifton Gaslight neighborhood of Cincinnati

My sister made me buy this recycled top.

Remind me to thank her.

top - Free People
shorts - thrift
leggings - Free People
shoes - Momma gave 'em to me!

Hats, Heels and Hoods

2010-03-13T23:18:00.000-05:00

3/3

Wearing a hat makes me feel so special.

I spent this entire day waiting for people to comment on my cranial ornamentation.

hat - Forever 21

sweater - The Gap

tiger's eye ring - I can't remember!

dress - Banana Republic

"pants" - Kohl's

shoes - TJ Maxx

3/5

This top was billed as a slip but it's absolutely no more than a top. Stop your exaggerations, internet!

jacket - thrift

top - Free People

pants - French Connection via TJ Maxx

shoes - Imagine via the Teej, too

This orange thingy (tunic? beach cover? tank?) originally had a hood but I hated it so much, I just chopped it off. Ew, hood.

Now that it's hood-less, you can see its fun back detail!

orange thingy - Free People via TJ Maxx

purple top - Forever 21

earrings - gift of my momma!

leggings - Lamixx

boots - thrift

Plum Crazy

2010-03-12T15:34:00.000-05:00

3/1

Next to my boyfriend, my favorite thing to wake up to on Monday morn is my new pair of purple dip-dyed tights.

My Monday morning alias: Plum Ankles.

sweater - Banana Republic
dress - TJ Maxx
belt - thrift
bracelet - Kohl's
tights - TJ Maxx
shoes - the same...

Kindergarten Crop

2010-03-11T14:05:00.000-05:00

2/27 Evening

I love this crop top beyond all reason. It just feels good!

Grego likes it, too, but in a more reasonable manner.

hair barette and crop top and jeans - Forever 21
black tank - TJ Maxx
boots - thrift

The Pink-Up Artist

2010-03-10T14:56:00.000-05:00

2/27

I re-discovered this belt while cleaning up the closet and decided that it might be time to resurrect it.

I'm not entirely sure that word is woven into this fine accessory but I found it for cheaps at a shop in Tucson and couldn't pass it up.

Ah, yes. My favorite gray OPI nail polish.

...And my favorite handsome boyfriend!

white dress - It was a thrift shop wedding gown when I first found it.
pink top - Kohl's
jeans - Urban Outfitters
boots/boot scarf - thrift
nail polish - the grocery store
boyfriend - We met on a river boat.

Back to the Fuchsia

2010-03-09T15:10:00.000-05:00

2/26

Fuchsia jumper dress? Okay!

When I found this hot pink number at Goodwill, it was shorts and the waist was a little too low. I made it a skirt and shortened the straps and felt so good about it, I wore it to work.

jumper dress - thrift
black top - I'm not sure. It's very old.
belt - It belongs to a pair of pants I got at Kohls.
shoes - Target

The Cause of Dropped Coffees

2010-03-08T17:03:00.000-05:00

2/24

My boss nearly dropped her coffee when she saw this number... "It's so conservative for you!"

I thought these were rather more playful than professional, myself.

sweater - Kohl's
hair barrette - a street vendor in New Orleans
dress - Kohl's
tights - Oh no! I can't remember! Forever 21, perhaps?
shoes - A gift.
necklace - an antique mall in Mt. Vernon, OH