Posts Tagged: ootd


11
May 13

OOTD: Crafternoon Delight

Once a month, I host a “crafternoon” event for some of my friends. It is a social, crafty gathering, where we get together, make stuff and chat. It’s pretty awesome… but I’m not biased or anything. This is what I wore for a laid back Saturday!

OOTD: Crafternoon Delight

Denim shirt – Pure Energy, via Target, 4 (“present” from Chris)
T-shirt – Avenue, 26/28
Skirt – Evans, UK 30
Ring – Cato
Sandals – Clarks, “Caslynn Paula“, 11M

OOTD: Crafternoon Delight

I’ve always been a creative person, but in the last few years “responsibilities” get in the way of hobbies. It isn’t that I don’t have time – I do, but it’s easier to put off things that don’t pay the rent, you know? Or prioritize sleep, getting outside, visiting friends, etc.

So what if Chris won’t get his handknit socks for another year… To be fair – he knows that it takes about two years, which is how long it took me to knit and send a pair to the friend who introduced us. But really, who needs handknit socks in Texas anyway?

I’ll finish them… someday.

Being around other creative people inspires me, so this once a month get-together is perfect – visiting with friends and crafts! The added bonus is productivity – the more time I spent around other creative people, the more I get done. Win, win!

OOTD: Crafternoon Delight

This outfit was chosen for comfort. Summer is creeping up on us, but it’s still cool in the morning, warmer in the the afternoon and definitely unpredictable. I love maxi dresses and skirts because they are perfect for anything! Except for the fact that I’m a klutz.

Today I tripped over a shelf in CVS, after getting my skirt caught and then I drove around with my skirt hanging out of the car door. A neighbor informed me of that when I went to get the mail. At least it wasn’t raining, right?

Despite my tendency to trip (which let’s be real – happens anyway), maxi’s are comfortable and versatile. Especially skirts like this one in a jersey knit. It’s like fancy pajamas. Unfortunately, knits aren’t a great medium for pleats. I have a poor track record with washing them… and then the pleats fall out. What’s up with that?

OOTD: Crafternoon Delight

OOTD: Crafternoon Delight

I ditched 11 pairs of shoes this spring for various offenses. Many of them were just too old, worn out and hurt my feet. Just because they still look cute does not mean my feet have to suffer! It took me a few outings to remember why I started investing in good shoes. Blisters aren’t worth it!

After my purge, I noticed that I was lacking in the sandal department. Since summer in Texas lasts from now until December, I wear them a lot! I remembered to have Chris take a picture of my new summer sandals (also featured in my last post, just hidden) – the “Caslynn Paula” from Clarks, in black. Which are surprisingly comfortable (they have a fancy “ortho” sole), well made, easy to walk in and cute.

Normally, I don’t do well with tall shoes, but I haven’t had any issues with these. The tripping mentioned above was actually done in flats. I’m special like that. They come in black, nude and grey. I wish they had a tan/cognac because I would have snapped those up too. They retail for $109, which is pricey but I got mine for 20% off and they are worth every penny. I’d trade 4 pairs of Target sandals for a pair of these any day!

OOTD: Crafternoon Delight

P.S. I got Chris to take these by promising I’d post them tonight (which basically never happens, and he makes fun of me). BAM! Done.

Have you made any summer purchases? What’s your favorite summer footwear?


6
Oct 12

OOTD: A whale of a time

The summer has gone by so fast. It is already October and doesn’t feel like it at all. Between traveling to New York in June and California in August, setting up the apartment, visiting family, meeting new friends, seeing old friends, shooting weddings, work, school… it has been a fun couple of months.

While searching through old files, I came across these pictures from way, way back in July, just after I got home from New York. We had a friend stay with us, who was visiting the US from New Zealand. Chris and I both ended up getting sick. Which meant that our friend spent a lot of quality time on the couch, feverishly drinking OJ to avoid our plague. Great hosts, right? I think in the last 6 months, the most use we got out of our TV service is the week he stayed with us…

Anyway, the weird thing about this day was that it felt like fall… in July. I was able to wear tights… in July. The weather is just starting to cool down now. I’m not quite to tights and boots yet, but it is so, so close. I can’t wait.

Casual outfit, nothing fancy. Blurry pictures, courtesy of my (at the time) busted 50mm.

OOTD: Whale of a time

Dress – Land’s End, 3x
Cardigan – Second hand, 1x
Tights – We Love Colors, EE in black.
Flats – Clarks

The cardigan with embroidered whales? I couldn’t pass it up.

My summer was filled with great moments. Visiting family in California, FFFW in NYC, participating in NOLOSE, being there on my Mom’s birthday, connecting with friends in CA I couldn’t see before the move (miss you Sarah <3), taking steps towards being a wedding photographer or being at home with the guy I love... even when he pisses me off.

OOTD: Whale of a time

OOTD: Whale of a time

To get this space moving again… I’m going to start a new feature. Even in times where the blogging is sparse, I’m decent at taking pictures of what I wear. Or having Chris do it. ;)

Problem is… by time things slow down, I might forget the “story” behind the outfit and it never makes it up here. So, random outfits and the details I do remember will be accompanied by some kind of rambling. Rants, answers to questions I’ve received (feel free to e-mail and ask others) or whatever is on my mind. The idea still needs some work, but you’ve got to start somewhere.

Until then, crossing my fingers for grey days (like the one below), cool weather, cardigans and my beloved knee-high boots.

Rainy day

What was the highlight of your summer?


15
Jul 12

Five Take: Sheer

It is time for another round of Five Take… this week, our challenge is sheer. I love the look of sheer clothing but sometimes struggle to wear it on my top half. Most of my pieces are polyester, or require a tank underneath. More layers in the heat and humidity is not ideal!

If you’re new, here’s what Five Take is about:

The idea behind Five Take is pretty simple. One theme, five people… resulting in five different looks. The only restriction is having to shop from our closets. Sounds easy enough, right?

This week, I went a little outside my comfort zone and wore a shirt that is basically sheer, with no tank underneath. It isn’t really obvious in the pictures, but I am pasty white, so that (literally) glows through this super sheer, slub tee from H&M+.

Five Take: Sheer

Top – H&M+, 3x
Skirt – Avenue, 28
Shoes – Dansko
Necklace – F21
Bangles – Torrid

Saturday I tagged along with my friend Julie to help photograph my very first wedding. It was so much fun! I’ve always found the idea of being a wedding photographer intriguing but haven’t had the opportunity. For friends and family? Yes. But as the real deal? No. After several hours taking pictures, filling up all my cards with hundreds of images, I returned home close to 1am with very sore feet. Then proceeded to not sleep until 3am. Go me.

After getting up for work this morning, I didn’t think Five Take was going to happen. I was tired didn’t manage to get a whole lot done after my shift but… sometimes a girl needs a break!

I didn’t want to venture out of the apartment today but we needed groceries and ended up grabbing dinner. Lazy Sunday, random clothes. I was going for a casual look, but with the skirt/necklace choice and unnecessary heels… whatever. It was a t-shirt and heels kind of day?

I’m trying to wear all of my “special” shoes to decide which ones get to stay and which will go. Hard decisions ahead! It is a small miracle that I haven’t killed myself walking down the stairs from our 2nd story apartment… yet. Knock on wood?

Five Take: Sheer

You might have noticed that this top is from the H&M+ line. Yes, I finally made it to one that has it! The store they opened nearby is massive, but the plus line only has a couple of racks. The store had only been open for a week or so when we checked it out, but the plus size selections had been picked over. Oddly enough, the rest of the store looked pretty well stocked, but the plus section was sad and (almost) empty.

Most of the offerings were very basic. Neutral cardigans, over-sized tops, and a few styles of awkward linen/cotton, elastic waistband, capri pants… I still don’t understand those. There were a few brighter pieces – a floral dress (made out of shiny polyester with a weird cut), a purple tank with orange straps (they tried?) and a couple of loose weave, metallic sweaters.

I picked up a couple of the tops to try. Some of them had interesting construction, but did not fit my boobs. Which wasn’t a surprise, considering the line tops at a 24 and from what I’ve read, runs small. This top was one of the two pieces that came home with me. It is made from a rough, slub fabric that is sheer, but in a… mysterious way?

My 50mm f/1.4 came back from Canon, so I’m back to taking outfit shots again. It seemed to work fine at the wedding, but judging from this set of outfit pictures… I’ll have to send it back.

The images are lacking the normal clarity and sharpness that I’m accustomed to, so something is up. Sure, they look dreamy and artsy, but that isn’t really my style. I have no use for an expensive paperweight!

You might think I’m crazy, but I actually cropped/sharpened the pictures for the blog, so these smaller resolution files look decent. Fingers crossed that they get it right the 2nd go around!

Sheer clothing has been a really strong trend for several seasons. Blouses, dresses, skirts… brights, neutrals, you name it – you can probably find it! I’ve been lusting over sheer blouses, especially in bright colors with great details. I love the bright chiffon skirts that are popping up everywhere too, but I already have a few.

I think I’m the first (shocking, I know) to post the challenge this week… but I’ll link up to the others as they go up! Make sure to check them out, this isn’t one you want to miss.

Claire – A Monkey Fatshionista
Rebecca – The Plus Side of Me
Gina – Fat Fit Fine
Becky – The Ramblings of Mrs BeBe

Are there any sheer pieces that you’re dying to add to your wardrobe this summer?


22
Jun 12

Five Take: Animal Print

In theory, this Five Take post should have made it up before my trip to New York… or while I was there, because I naively thought I’d have time to this post… and blog about Full Figured Fashion Week as stuff was happening.

HAHAHAHAHAHAHA.

Kudos to those who did! I can’t even imagine. FFFW posts are in the works, hopefully the first two will be tonight/tomorrow. We have a house guest, I had to get images out to other people, more “responsibilities” and my first few days back to work have been super busy, so the blog (as usual) gets neglected.

My school semester starts this week too! Oh boy. I better get my shit together, right?

Five Take: Animal Print

Dress – Land’s End, 3x
Belt – Torrid, 4
Cardigan – Old Navy, 3x
Shoes – Clarks, 11M
Purse – Coach Outlet

If you’ve been here before, you know the drill… if not, the idea behind Five Take is pretty simple. One theme, five people… resulting in five different looks. The only restriction is having to shop from our closets. Sounds easy enough, right?

This may be shocking to some, but my wardrobe is sadly lacking in animal prints. They just aren’t really something I’m drawn to, and if I am… I’m really, really picky. Badly tiled designs, odd colors, and weird prints are a no-go. It is one thing I absolutely love to see on other people, but rarely wear myself.

That being said… I own a few pieces, none of which are suitable for the weather here in Houston. Two cardigans, a short sleeve sweater and a belt that I haven’t seen since the move, otherwise I would have worn that. Ha!

I thought wearing the cardigan was a stupid move, but it wasn’t bad at all. Guess I’m acclimating to this weather faster than I thought? Then again… it isn’t even “hot” yet!

Five Take: Animal Print

Five Take: Animal Print

Back in December, I posted about the twin of the cardigan I’m wearing. This grey version has become one of my casual outfit staples. Bright jersey dress, funky animal print cardigan, maybe a belt… and off I go!

Oh wait. This outfit is exactly that but (to me), the bright red dress and make-up make it a little fancier!

Five Take: Animal Print

It could be because I am in love with this dress (and the purse). The fabric is amazing, it is a heavier knit but still light. I’ve washed it several times now (no special treatment either!) and it is still bright red, with no pilling. The cut and fit are fantastic – there is a little bit of structure in the waist, great draping in the neckline, pleats in the front of the skirt and the length is just right.

I don’t think I can actually say anything bad about this dress, except for the price, which is $65. But in my humble opinion, it is worth it. Luckily Land’s End seems to always offer a coupon, usually with free shipping, which makes it even better. Right now Land’s End has a coupon for 25% off + free shipping – code: PRIVATE, pin:2530.

Don’t even get me started on all the dresses I’ve bought from Old Navy or Torrid that pill after the first wash. Grr… every time I think, “Oh! Maybe they’ve changed…”, things haven’t.

Five Take: Animal Print

Not sure if this was purse or New York excitement/panic or just me being silly.

I guess you can tell, but last year or so, I have completely fallen in love with Land’s End. They carry more preppier clothes than I would usually wear, but they do have some great basics and cute dresses. They carry up to a size 26W, and run big, in my experience.

Take a walk on the wild side, visit the others to see more animal print!

Claire – A Monkey Fatshionista
Rebecca – The Plus Side of Me
Gina – Fat Fit Fine
Becky – The Ramblings of Mrs BeBe

Would you wear animal print?