Pump Up the Frump

Merry Merry, Quite Contrary

2009-12-25T21:43:00.008-05:00

Merry Christmas or whatever it is you celebrate at this time of year! I feel very lucky to be able to share these festive sentiments with you, lovely readers.

12/4

These are all repeat pieces that I'm trying to rework into new, interesting looks. I've noticed that some ladies who have to get gussied every morning will wear the same, say, twenty looks over and over and while I do not judge them at all, that seems a sad fate for a fashion nerd like myself. So, without constantly buying new garments, I'm going to try to keep my perfect record of never wearing the exact same outfit to work more than once. We'll see what happens. I make no guarantees, especially on those mornings I oversleep...

jacket - thrift
dress - Kohl's
belt - Forever 21
shoes - TJ Maxx

12/5

After putting all my brain power into a professional appearance during the week, I've been slacking on my ensembles after hours. Here's to hoping that's only temporary.

This sweater didn't fit quite right in the middle so I pinned it in the back. It's more flattering but doesn't feel so great on my back...

sweater - vintage
purple top - Forever 21
belt - thrift
jeans - Old Navy
boots - thrift
boot scarf - thrift

12/10

These tights were a big deal in the office. Colorful legs! The insanity!

I kind of look like a dude with my hair back.

I kind of look like a dude from the '80s.

I'm just imagining the '80s coming of age movie in which I star as a lovelorn dude.

earrings - Hm. I'm not sure.
sweater - Kohl's
dress - the same!
tights - TJ Maxx
shoes - also the same!

12/11

This is what I wore to the holiday office party. The dress is a little more snug than I would have liked but it's my only red dress and I was dedicated to being festive.

Why not wear a fur-lined coat?

dress - thrift
shoes - TJ Maxx
coat - vintage

A Creepy Evening

2009-12-09T13:09:00.003-05:00

12/1

I like the hint of ghostly spectre in my dining room photos. This looks like an outtake from Mary Tyler Moore's cameo on Scooby-Doo.

Nala wanted a piece of the creepy action.

denim jacket - thrift
scarf - Free People
chartreuse sweater - Khol's
dress - Pangea in Clifton, Cincinnati
shoes/heels - the Gap Outlet in NKY
shoes/boots - thrift

Chartreuse and Poodles

2009-12-05T12:19:00.005-05:00

11/25

I love each element of this ensemble but I'm not totally convinced that I love it all together.

It's frump to the max...

dress - The Gap

green top - NY & Co.

necklace - thrift

shoes - Imagine by John Camuto

11/26

This yellow top was another bizarre score from the Big Bone Lick Salt Festival. I've had it for a couple years and this is only the second or third time I've worn it. I really dig it, though...

Though a mistake, I kind of like this last photo. I'm thinking about somehow making it into a new page header for this here blog... What do you think?

yellow top - second hand

black jacket - Hot Topic... I know.

jeans - Old Navy

boots - thrift

boot scarf - thrift

Bonus Photo

My sister took this photo of me cradling my aunt's poodle. She said it's her representation of me if I were an evil villain in an 80's teen movie.

Bang-Up Job

2009-12-04T22:16:00.003-05:00

Dear the internets,

Please help. I saw the cutest girl in the entire world last night and she makes me want to cut my hair into bangs.

Photo by Scott Beseler

She's Jessi Darlin from the band Those Darlins and I saw her play in Cincinnati yesterday. She has bangs that are so beautiful they make me want some of my own.

Photo by Scott Beseler

The only thing is, it is my impression that 95% of ladies who cut bangs immediately regret it. I speak from experience. Traumatic, middle school bang-related horror experience.

Photo by Scott Beseler

But. They look so good!

Any advice?

Love,
Becky

Brown Paper Packages Tied up with Shoestrings

2009-12-02T16:57:00.003-05:00

I'm the Outfit of the Week on Style on a Shoestring!

Well, I'm not the outfit myself... I happen to be wearing the Outfit of the Week.

How could you be an outfit? That's crazy talk.

Anyway. Style on a Shoestring!

Catch Up If You Can

2009-12-01T17:03:00.003-05:00

How did I get so behind? HOW?!

11/18

My, what a meaty arm I have...

I got this top approximately 928 years ago and I believe that this is the second time I've ever worn it. With my fancy pants work attire these days, I'm sure I'll be busting it out more oft.

top - Kohl's
pants - French Connection
shoes - I'm going to guess Old Navy. I can't recall for sure.

11/20

I am seriously disappointed in these pictures. The best part of the outfit was my dual-colored tights and you can barely tell!

I'll have to take another pic of them soon... Wah.

At least you can see my sweet brontosaurus pin...

jacket - Goodwill
dino pin - 'Twas a gift!
dress - TJ Maxx
tights - They are gray in the front and black in the back and they are awesome and they are from DSW.
shoes - Gap Outlet

11/21

I cannot adequately express how much I freaking love this skirt.

Action Shot

top - Old Navy
earrings - Uh. I want to say a shop in AZ but I'm not sure.
skirt - Goodwill! It was astoundingly costly at $30 but I love it all the same.
boots - thrift
boot scarf - thrift

Free People Ain't Free

2009-11-23T16:56:00.004-05:00

I'm in Free People's blog!

As you might have guessed, I'm a huge fan of the Free People. I posted a picture my sister took the day she and I went to the Salt Fest at Big Bone Lick to Free People's Facebook page and voilà! More fame!

Pay It Forward

2009-11-22T17:01:00.003-05:00

11/14

I was so thrilled when my boyfriend's mom gave me this red shawl... I couldn't understand why would she get rid of it. It's gorgeous.

And, after playing with it for a while...

...I decided it's not as awesome as I thought. It's itchy and always wants to fall off.
It might make a better table cloth or curtain or... cat dress.
Here, kitty kitty!

shawl - gift!

dress - Free People

top - Express

leggings - Lamixx

boots - thrift

boot scarf - thrift

11/16

Dressing like a grown up for work has been a rather fun challenge. I was so pleased when one of the sweetest coworkers in the world comment on the congruity of one of my outfits. Yay!

sweater - Old. Old old.

dress - NY and Co. They were having some kind of sale and I'm a sucker for chartreuse.

pin - thrift

shoes - Wanted

Zombie Buffet

2009-11-21T10:14:00.003-05:00

11/12

I was a little worried that this dress is too short for the grown-up nature of my job but I love it so much I had to go for it. In other news, Nala's butt is huge!

dress - Dana Buchanan from Kohl's

sweater - Banana Republic

necklace - thrift

shoes - Target

11/13

Someone was not fully awake...

sweater - Sarsaparilla from TJ Maxx
dress - The Gap
necklace - thrift
shoes - Miu Miu from Goodwill

BONUS PHOTO

I visited my sister in Kent. Who knew they had a giant brain sculpture?

Something Old, Something New, Something Borrowed

2009-11-11T21:45:00.006-05:00

Remember the wedding dress I bought for a film my boyfriend was making? It turns out that it/I ended up being in a mead commercial and if you go to any of the screenings during the Columbus International Film Festival this week, you will see the commercial, me, and my dress. I attended a movie just this evening and surreptitiously snapped photos of myself on the big screen.

Shooting the commercial was totally fun. We enjoyed a very lovely afternoon in an orchard. While we were there, the farmer's grandson came out, gave me a funny look, and said, "Grandad said there was a model in the orchard." I laughed and generally felt pretty silly.

In other news, I have a few photos of my new office.

It's not as opulent as my last digs but I really like the vibe... It makes it very easy to stay focused on my tasks.

I really like the plants all around it.

That's me!

Alright, how about some clothes?

11/9

I woke up this smorning with big hair and big attitude.

sweater - The Gap... Outlet!
dress - I'm not sure... I think I got it at TJ Maxx.
necklace - Night Owl Crafts
ring - I got it at the coolest little shop on Magazine Street in NOLA.
shoes - Wanted

11/11
Happy Veteran's Day!

Someone bought a new coat!

It's me!

Is my sleepy face as obvious to you as it is to me?

coat - Forever 21

earrings - Pangea in Clifton
top - Old Navy
pants - Daisy Fuentes from Kohl's. I know, I couldn't believe it, either.
shoes - A gift.

The Blues and the Bluegrass

2009-11-09T12:15:00.004-05:00

11/3

My first day as a Interactive Communication Coordinator. Pretty perfect job for an avid blogger, no?

This little sign was given to me by my old coworkers. Adorable.

sweater - I couldn't say.
dress - Simply Vera by Vera Wang
bracelet - thrift/vintage
brooch - 'Twas a gift.
shoes - Hm. I can't remember

11/4

Day Two's outfit garnered a compliment from my new boss. Score!

top - I got it at a clothes swap party. It used to be Theresa's.
belt - Forever 21
pants - Kohl's
shoes - My momma gave em to me.

11/6

I found these pants at what I fondly refer to as God's Favorite TJ Maxx. It's in Upper Arlington here in C-Bus and is the mightiest, most awesome TJ Maxx I've ever encountered.

top - Dana Buchanan at Kohl's
pants - French Connection
shoes - Hm. I got them at Penney's several years ago...

11/7

There is no picture here because I had had a little freakout Saturday night due to the stress of my new employment. I wasn't unhappy nor did I feel any regret about the change and must say that frankly, everyone at the new job has been incredibly awesome. But for whatever reason, the radical lifestyle renewal made me feel like curling up in bed and crying like a little kid. So I did. And when I woke up Sunday, I felt wonderful.

11/8

Grego and I were invited to partake of a bluegrass performance at Espresso Yourself Cafe in Powell. A new coworker and his lady friend met us there and it was absolutely blissful.

The weather, the music, the company... Everything about Sunday made me happy. Greg and I chased each other around Powell like little kids.

sweater - Free People... It's my old stand-by when I want comfort.
dress - thrift
boots - thrift
boot scarf - thrift

Old Haunts and Haughty Homes

2009-11-08T23:01:00.007-05:00

I promise I am not a bad person. I'm just a slightly overwhelmed person. I truly regret any discomfort on your part due to blogging-related neglect.

10/30

On Friday, many awesome people accompanied me to Bobby Mackey's which is just outside of Covington, KY. It is apparently haunted and for $5, the proprietors will give you a little tour of the basement. They tell me a gentleman who makes appearances on a ghost hunting TV program was accosted by spirits on camera down there but the most frightening moment for me involved dumb redneck boys.

I was Twiggy. Many many thanks to my Momma who plied my makeup.

10/31

How to dress for comfort: Step 1, procure an awesome soft slip from an amazing friend. Step 2, wear a fuzzy sweater over it. Step 3, don't bother putting on pants.

sweater - Free People
slip - a gift from Lisa... She rules!
leggings - La Mixx
boots - thrift

I finally found a use for my union suit! It's the world's most comfortable Halloween costume! I am a raging hillbilly (quite a stretch... har) and Greg was an Ambien zombie.

I was in Columbus for the holiday so my Grego and I went to the Short North area for the last few minutes of the High Ball. The show had descended into chaos by the time we got there but that was fine by me. I saw too many brilliant costumes to list. I saw a dog dressed as a chicken. Genius.

That is a bona-fide Rabbit Hash brand corn cob pipe. Monica, a dear friend who I met through my old job, bought it for me.

11/1

Sunday, we had a few neighbors and loved ones over to celebrate my new job. This was my shopping ensemble...

sweater - thrift
top - Free People
jeans - 7 For All Mankind
shoes - Old Navy

... And this was my party look.

It was truly lovely to be surrounded by supportive Columbusians.

sweater - Old Navy
kercheif - thrift
top - TJ Maxx
skirt - the Carroll County Flea Market

shoes - Shoetopia in Northside, Cincinnati

I'll post all about my first week at my new job soon but now I must go to sleep.

Loaf of Bed

2009-10-29T17:01:00.005-04:00

10/24

I celebrated my new job all weekend long. Saturday I slept in and loafed around in bed. Ahhh...

sweater - Free People
black top - Express
jeans - Old Navy
socks - thrift
boots - thrift

10/27

I promised myself that the last week of work at my old job would be spent entirely in clothes that are inappropriate for my new gig, i.e. jeans, cowboy boots, comfy socks... and apparently, dirty laundry.

earrings - Forever 21
sweater - Free People
top - Express
skirt - Levi's
socks - TJ Maxx
boots - thrift

Today, I said goodbye to my office before I begin disassembling it...

So sad but so exhilerating!

Girl, we couldn't get much hire.

2009-10-27T14:40:00.002-04:00

So, you know that job interview I went to a week or two ago?

I got the job! Hurray!

I will soon be installed full-time in Columbus!

(me, filled with new employment and frosted cookie glee)

I'm a little worried because my new gig does not allow denim on the clock but I'm absolutely stoked about exploring a new, more adult daytime style.

Stay tuned!

A Mess of Fests

2009-10-20T22:09:00.003-04:00

10/15

I had a second job interview with a Columbus non-profit... Red shoes = reliability! Hire me!

What would I say is my best quality? Why, my red shoes, of course.

I ended up wearing the belt under the jacket because I wanted a little room in case the interview got sweaty.

jacket - vintage
dress - I can't remember the brand. It's from TJ Maxx, of course.
belt - thrift/vintage
shoes - Gomax Shoetopia in Northside, Cincinnati
ring - It was a gift from my boyfriend's momma.

10/16

This was my play-around outfit. Legwarmer obsession: engaged!

jacket - thrift
dress - Free People
leg warmers - thrift
shoes - Old Navy

10/17

My sister and I went to the Salt Festival at Big Bone Lick State Park on Saturday. There are so many jokes that I could use to follow that sentence ... I'll just leave that to your imagination.

Matching sweaters. Indeed.

sweaters - Free People
my skirt - thrift
tights - Vera Wang from Kohl's
boots - They're from some second-hand shop in Mt. Vernon, Ohio.

So, while at the Salt Fest, I bought a union suit. I was originally going to cut it off into a long sweater but now, I'm not so sure. What if I need long undies replete with butt flap? What if?

10/18

My boyfriend and I followed a Salt Fest with a Pumpkin Fest and I decided to dress accordingly... In layers.

dress - NVision in Northside, Cincinnati
jacket - Forever 21
glove thingies - AE
leg warmers - thrift
shoes - I got them at JC Penney's. I can't remember the brand.

The Needless and the Necessary

2009-10-14T16:36:00.004-04:00

10/9

This outfit was probably not my best idea. This little mini dress pretty much requires tights or some sort of bloomer so my goods don't get splashed around town...

That will have to wait 'til my burlesque show. Har har.

I sit in chair...

... Mico sits in chair. And look how fabulous her fur coat is!

gray striped top - TJ Maxx
dress - French Connection ... From TJ Maxx!
socks - Hm. Probably TJ Maxx.
boots - thrift

10/10

My sister talked me into buying leather shorts a few weeks ago.
Me: Leather shorts?
Laurie: Yeah! Try them on!
Me: When would I wear leather shorts?
Laurie: Look how great your butt looks in them!
Me: What practical purpose would owning leather shorts serve in my life?
Laurie: I can't hear you over the hottness emanating from your backside!
Me: Sigh. Sold.

I ended up kissing a very handsome man the day I wore them so I suppose it was worth it. heh!

My evil twin shocks me...

... But I love her anyway.

necklace - Gift from Laurie!
top - Old Navy
shorts - vintage from Pop's in Lexington, KY
tights - I dunno.
flats - I can't remember... Dangit.

10/11

I stand in the corner...

... Mico stands in the corner. Girl needs to get her own blog.

dress - vintage from Regeneration in Detroit, MI
scarf - thrift
tights - Victoria's Secret (from TJ Maxx, of course...)
shoes - Jessica Simpson

The Real Me

2009-10-13T10:43:00.004-04:00

Because you guys were so nice about my last film cameo, here's another me feature that my buddy Josh Flowers made a couple of years ago.

Why, yes, I'm the one discussing nudity.

One More Thing... from JoshFlowers on Vimeo.

Office Space

2009-10-08T10:45:00.003-04:00

10/6

My local TJ Maxx had some new Free People stuff... Sigh. It's my achilles heel.

Pigtails inspired by Paige!

sweater - Free People
top - Free People
belt - thrift
jeans - Old Navy
boots - thrift

10/7

I'm getting braver and braver... Sneaking around the office after hours hunting out interesting photographs.

scarf - Free People
body suit - thrift
skirt - Kohl's
tights - Hue (control top ... UGH)
boots - thrift

I'm Gonna Live Forever

2009-10-06T14:01:00.002-04:00

I'm having an egomaniacal day today!

The super awesome rad Frédérik Sisa featured the Frump on his crazy fantastic wonderful blog The Fashionoclast! Check it out here.

Also, remember the 48 Film Project movie I was in? It is now online for all to view!

Questionable Taste from Kendall Bruns on Vimeo.

I'm sure I'll post another daily pic as soon as I get over myself ... heh!

Fortunate One

2009-10-05T14:13:00.004-04:00

10/2

Cold weather requires cozy sweaters and leg warmers! Ahhhh...

sweater - Free People
black dress - Forever 21 but I got it at the thrift store
leg warmers - Rabbit Hash General Store
shoes - Hm. I can't remember.

10/3

I went to a memorial service for my boyfriend's grandma on Saturday. I feel so so lucky to have met his Nana and I feel doubly luck to spend the weekend with all of the people that she loved most.

dress - Glam
black shirt - I couldn't say.
scarf - thrift
shoes - Target

Eponymous

2009-10-01T14:03:00.004-04:00

Consider the frump pumped. I might be a little too excited about fall's clothing layering possibilities.

Thanks to my momma for snapping today's pictures!

jacket - thrift, hemmed
dress - Tulle
green shirt - Target
tights - TJ Maxx
shoes - Wanted, purchased at the Gap Outlet

Wrinkles in Time

2009-09-30T16:45:00.003-04:00

I don't have an outfit to share with you today but I do have a topic for discussion.

My favorite part of my appearance is these crazy laugh lines I've grown around my eyes. I'm only 26 but I'm thrilled about some happy wrinkles. My boyfriend commented on them the other day, much to my delight.

So. What's your favorite body part? How are you feeling regarding wrinkles? Sing out!

Mullet Metaphors

2009-09-29T14:37:00.000-04:00

9/28

I'm a tree hugger. This little dogwood is used to it.

sweater - So old! Who knows?
dress - Simply Vera from Kohl's ... on clearance! $12!
boots - thrift

I found this snappy little acid-washed denim purse at the thrift store and I'm in love with it even though it has absolutely no pockets inside.

9/29

My office is like a mullet: Business in front. Party in the back.

scarf - thrift
tank - Pangea in Clifton
bracelet - Forever 21
jacket - thrift
jeans - Old Navy
flats - Old Navy

From 70s to 80s in Three Weeks

2009-09-28T16:13:00.004-04:00

9/24

I was haunted by Madonna last week. I was fully dressed and at work before I suddenly felt Like a Virgin.

dress - Target
leggings - TJ Maxx
shoes - The Gap Outlet in Hebron, KY ... Man, I love that place.

9/5
A few weeks ago, I went to Freddie Mercury's birthday party with the most awesome ladies EVER.

These photos were taken by the most excellent Erica Esham.

My neon polyester flying squirrel disco dress got a lot of comments and they were even mostly positive! It used to be a floor-length gown but I shortened it within an inch of it's life... Some would say it is almost too short now.

This was taken right after I altered it ... I don't think I could ever wear it without leggings underneath... Too dangerous.

disco squirrel dress - thrift/altered
leggings - Lamixx
flats - Target

Check out what I wore to Freddie's birthday party last year.

To Have and Have Not

2009-09-22T11:06:00.003-04:00

9/19

I went through a phase several years ago of trolling thrift stores for beautiful pillowcases, buying them for $0.60, and then making them into skirts while watching a movie. It is seriously the easiest and most rewarding sewing project ever especially if you are, like me, sewing machine impaired. I do all my stitching by hand.

So I used to have a drawer full of these skirts but have pared my collection down to just two. This is one that made the cut. If you're interested, I can write out the steps I took making these little linen project. There are approximately 928 million pillowcase skirt tutorials on the web, too.

necklace - Night Owl Crafts
top - Forever 21
skirt - thrift/handmade
shoes - Old Navy

19/20

I saw Sleuth with my family at Cincinnati's Playhouse in the Park this day. It was a dark, mysterious plot so I tried to dress accordingly.

dress - vintage/thrift
leggings - lamixx
shoes - The Mustard Seed Boutique

9/21

I'm an environmental pin-up.

"You know how to recycle, don't you, readers? You just put your cans together and blow."

dress - vintage/thrift
bracelet - vintage/thrift
belt - thrift
shoes - Simple