Monday, November 30, 2009

THE LIONESS

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This weekend, I had a friend request a couple shots like this.  They are horribly pose-y and a little too reminiscent of a corny yearbook shot, but I hope you like them, Shannon!

I'm not here very often, but happened to be walking around town with family and friends, taking advantage of a beautiful Sunday afternoon yesterday.

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As you can see, I'm already remixing the military jacket from last week.  This time, it's just a slight bit more casual.  Anybody else do anything to take advantage of the gorgeous weather yesterday?
Jacket: Thrifted, $8 - Tee: Target, $13 - Leggings: Target, $6 - Boots: Target, $35 - Scarf: Target, $13

RAMBLINGS OF A MONDAY AFTERNOON

Hope you all had a wonderful long weekend!  Or regular weekend if you're an international reader.  I only had off on Thanksgiving day, but it still felt like a weekend nonetheless.
It's all about perspective I guess.

Just a few of today's thoughts:

1.  I feel like dung.  Very sad face.  Consequently, I am working on my couch in my sweats with Spike TV's CSI marathon on in the background.  If I didn't feel so poopy, I might actually be enjoying it.

2.  Saturday night, the husband and I went to my 10 year high school reunion.  I'm really glad I went.  It was great to catch up with a few old friends and I was happy to see others happy.

3.  I have to confess that I have, indeed, tried to wear the most recent installment of the Ugly Sweater Series.  I really do like this one...  Unfortunately, it is way too big.  More sad face.

4.  While I am thoroughly enjoying the mild fall we've been having, I will admit that it's making it a little tricky to get into the holiday spirit.  It looks like things are going to start cooling off, though.

5.  The extent of my Black Friday purchases is a 3-in-1 Dirt Devil I bought at Target for $9.  I can barely contain myself...

WE HAVE A WINNER!

The winner of the Lillian Bassman photography book is ...

































Fabulocity in Amish Country!

Congrats!  Email me your mailing address and we'll hook you up with your new read.

Special thanks to ABRAMS Publishing for sponsoring this giveaway!

Sunday, November 29, 2009

FOR YOUR PLEASURE: THE UGLY SWEATER SERIES

Installment #2

ugly sweater 2

Moving on to ugly sweater #2.  This one is by far my favorite!  I don't know why, but I think it's fantastic.  He thinks it's horribly fantastic.

It's even handmade with it's shawl collar, zipper, pockets and reindeer.
All he needs is a pappy pipe!

Friday, November 27, 2009

MAJOR SCORE, REPORTING FOR DUTY

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If you watch How I Met Your Mother, that post title is pretty funny.

As it implies, this outfit features a seriously major score!

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Can you believe this jacket?!  When I found it at Goodwill on Monday, I literally had a moment.  I could feel my smile creep from ear to ear and my heart fluttered just bit.  Then I tried it on and had my moment all over again.

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I didn't even know how much it would cost, but I didn't care.  And to find out it was only $8?  I couldn't pass it up in a million years!

11-27-09 bracelet

Ooh ... I almost forgot - there is another major score in this post!  How do you like this lion head bracelet?  Pretty sweet, no?  I found it at a yard sale back in October when I spent the weekend in Eagles Mere.  As per usual, I had no cash on me, so thanks, Mom!

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Jacket: Jones of New York, thrifted for $8 - Tee: American Apparel, courtesy of Buffalo Exchange
Leggings: Target, $6 - Boots: Kohl's, $16 - Chain Necklace: Target, $4 - Bracelet: vintage, $1

Thursday, November 26, 2009

TURKEY DRESSING


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Today, I:
 ... ate a lot of yummy food
... spent time with my wonderful family
... enjoyed my first entire day off since Labor Day weekend (seriously)
... and kicked the husband's butt at Rummy 500.

I rule.

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Today, I also got to sport one of my thrift store gems from Monday.  There was something about all the delicate pleating and lace on this silk shirt that I just couldn't pass up.  It was brand new with tags still on - isn't it preeeeeetty?

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I wanted to dress it down and keep it really sleek and simple with just a pair of high-waisted jeans and snakeskin flats.  Oh, and a topknot of course ... the mini version this time.

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I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving today!  And if you're an international reader, well ... I hope you had a good day at work :)

Blouse: Thrifted, $5 - Custom Jeans: courtesy of indidenim - Flats: Madden Girl, $23

Wednesday, November 25, 2009

EXPLOSIVE

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Today, I took my pictures in the usual Wednesday morning spot.  It's on a cul-de-sac near the dog park, a bike trail, two apartment complexes and a giant field.  So many options!

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As I was getting into my car, a cop pulled up and put his window down.  Of course, my guilty conscience had me racking my brain wondering what I was doing wrong.  I'm a fairly law-abiding citizen and unless public display of narcissism is a crime, I knew I was in the clear.

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Instead, he asked if I had heard a loud boom or explosion.  I really wanted to respond, "Why, yes, Officer.  That is the sound of awesome."  But I refrained, and simply shook my head and explained that I had only been there for a few minutes.  He seemed satisfied, turned around and drove off.  Very weird.

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This dress has been sitting in my closet, completely unworn for almost 2 years.  I finally pulled it out last night during my mad dress-up session and just started adding things.  I love red and brown together and was really digging this updated 70's vibe.

I have just finished working a 10-hour day and am soooo ready for some T-day treats!  I'll still be posting over the next couple of days, so stay tuned!

Love ya!
Red Dress: BMoss, $7.50 - Fur Vest: H&M, $20 - Scarf: Target, $10ish
Belt: Mom's - Boots: Target, $35

Tuesday, November 24, 2009

BLOGGING IN BED

The husband is out with the boys tonight, so I'm left to my own devices.  Which pretty much means I just spent the last hour and half going through my closet playing dress up.  It was waaaay too much fun!  I've got outfits planned for the next week.  Wait until you guys see the awesomeness that I got at the thrift store yesterday!  I spent $25, which doesn't sound like a lot, but for me, that's a lot at the thrift store.  I try to be really particular, because in the past I've gotten way too much crap just because it was cheap and then I never where it.
I hate that!

Anyway ... among my purchases is a perfectly shrunken Levi's jean jacket
that I got for 29 cents ... holla!

I'm so pumped right now and I don't know why.
I guess I'm just feeling really inspired and just needed to spill!  Thanks for listening.
G'nite!

ON A BIG PIECE OF CHEESE

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Wow!  Those are some big-ass pants!  I know they're big, but man, they're BIG!  Haha ...
No wonder they're so comfy!

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You guys, I totally wanted to opt out today.  You know, not leave the house and curl up with a blanket and take a long, long nap.  It was chilly and rainy all day.  I think our glorious fall weather is over.  We were so spoiled with those 50 degree temps for so long, I think I was starting to think it wouldn't get cold this year.  Hmmm...wishful thinking again.

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Doesn't this thing look like a giant piece of cheese?  It's some sort of cement play-thingie at a local park.  The husband helped me get a couple shots this afternoon, even if it was a little rainy.
Way to be a champ, babe!

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How freakin' cool is this last photo?!
Pants: JCP, $25 - Tank: Target, $6 - Belt: Gap Outlet, $5
Jean Jacket: Vintage Wrangler, Mom's - Sneakers: Keds, $26

BLUE COLLAR CATWALKER: LA BELLE DAME SANS DICE

pic one

I've been reading Penny's blog for some time now and I think she's one of the sweetest,
most charming, creative and encouraging people out there.

A few days ago, this picture came up in my blog reader and took my breath away.
I couldn't wait to click on it in order to see the whole post.  I don't know what it is that I find
so freakin' amazing about this photo, but I'm in love!  The layers ... the colors ... the throwback style ...
it all plays in such harmony.   The menswear inspired look is anything but - she looks gorgeous!
This is one confident lady, my friends.

If you, like me, are in search of more inspiration,
be sure to check out La Belle Dame Sans Dice.
You won't be sorry!

P.S.  I've taken the word verification off of my commenting section, so it's way easier to leave your thoughts!  I've also invited ANYONE to comment.  Check it out!

P.P.S.  Want to be a Blue Collar Catwalker?  Send me a link to your rockin' outfit!

Monday, November 23, 2009

SELF-TIMER TALE

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Hold on a sec -  I'm not ready!

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Okay ... is thing on???

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Heeeelllllloooooo ???

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Crap!  I blinked ...
Turtleneck: Ross, $3 - Sweater: BonTon, $20 - Custom Jeans: courtesy of indidenim 
Shoes: DIYed Target Flats, $10 - Glasses: Fred Flare, $11 - Owl Necklace: Charlotte Russe, $4

RAMBLINGS OF A MONDAY AFTERNOON

Oh, Monday - I can't believe you're here already.

There's way too much on my mind today, but here are the highlights:

1.  I came to work with my husband again today in an attempt to be surperproductive.

2.  So far, I have gone thrifting (where I scored a majorly awesome military inspired jacket from Jones New York and a $.30 Levis jean jacket), taken outfit photos and have gotten my coffee from DD.

3.  My husband is very excited that everyone thinks his first holiday sweater is so cool.
Just wait, kids ... just wait ...

4.  I had lots of delicious and amazing food this weekend.  On Saturday, we went to the best Indian restaurant in the world.  Okay, maybe just the tri-state area, but anyway.  It never disappoints and I was even able to limit myself to one trip to the buffet.  Woohoo!  So, I felt great ... until ...

5.  We went to my mother-in-law's last night to celebrate our niece's birthday.  There was a lot of family there that we hadn't seen for some time, so it was great.  My MIL also cooked -- and the heavens opened and angels came down and touched my tummy.
It.  Was.  Amazing.  Have you ever had a rice ball?  'Nuff said.

Okay, now on to being productive ...

Sunday, November 22, 2009

FOR YOUR PLEASURE: THE UGLY SWEATER SERIES


Installment #1

ugly sweater 1

I'm finally willing to share my spotlight.  Well, I'm willing to share my spotlight once a week for the next 6 weeks, that is.  These post will be sure to brighten you day and bring a little holiday joy.  They will feature my husband and his pride and joy: ugly holiday sweaters. 

A couple of years ago, he scoured every store for an ugly holiday sweater.  He was pining for snowflakes and reindeer and the uglier, the better.  During a fall visit with my family, he mentioned his fruitless search to my mother.  Being the great mother-in-law she is, she made it a mission to find him the perfect holiday sweater.  That Christmas, there were to hideous designs waiting for him under the tree.  The following year, she added to his collection and then earlier this year, she struck gold at her local Sal Val and gifted him three more.

He now has a solid collection of 6 ugly holiday sweaters.  While some are uglier than other, I assure you, they are all delightfully festive and ever so offensive to the eyes.

This one is the "nice one."  It's from Lands End and is nearly new condition.  Most likely, it was a gift that someone could not wait to get rid of.  One man's trash really is another man's treasure.

Enjoy!

Saturday, November 21, 2009

INSPIRATION GIVEAWAY!



After receiving The Sartorialist for my birthday, I'm having a bit of an obsession with style and fashion photos.  This is the time of year when I usually need a good boost of inspiration.  Now, I'm dying to get my hands on a copy Lillian Bassman: Women, a collection of photographs from the legendary fashion photographer.

At age 92, Lillian Bassman, beloved figure in the pantheon of fashion photographers, is still at work. A contemporary of Richard Avedon and Irving Penn, her work helped define the legendary Harper’s Bazaar of the 1950s. Lillian Bassman: Women features more than 150 of her best images, including many that have never been published before.

Want a copy of your own?  Leave a comment on this post by Friday, November 28, midnight EST.  I'll announce the lucky winner on Saturday, November 29.  Good luck!

Friday, November 20, 2009

THE SCOUT

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I've been so excited to where this outfit, but I had to wait for a more casual day to bust it out.

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I can't stop thinking of all the ways to remix this dress over the coming months.  Red tights, striped shirt, layered thermal, red boots, skinny jeans .... oh, the possibilities seem endless!  I only wish my tights were more opaque for this version.  Next time, I'll layer 2 pairs.

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I found this little tree stand in the woods behind our house, which I find kind of funny since there's nothing to see from the tree stand.  It's about 50 yards from a PetCo and 25 feet from the nearest residence.  Crazy people ...

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This dress is my most recent thrift store score.  It's a J-Crew frock that was only $4!  Can you believe I actually debated getting it?!  Am I really that cheap?  That's embarrassing!

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I took the pocket out, since it puckered and shortened the hem to offset out the length of the torso.  It makes me feel like a camp counselor.  I actually was a camp counselor at a Girl Scout camp when I was 18 and we wore nothing like this.  Even still, I can't get the thought out of my mind.

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JCrew dress: Thrifted, $4 - Long Sleeve Tee: Target, $6
Boots: Target, $35 - Scarf: Vintage - Beanie: H&M, $7

Thursday, November 19, 2009

THE MORNING AFTER

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This outfit was 100% inspired by a late birthday night and a very early (and long) work day.

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I survived, but am exhausted.  My 4-sizes-too-big trousers were the comfiest thing I could actually wear out of the house.  I was in my PJ's within 5 minutes of walking in the front door.

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Now, I must veg...
Tank: Target, $6 - Pants: JCP, $25 - Belt: Gap outlet, $5 - Cardigan: BonTon, $20

Wednesday, November 18, 2009

IT'S MY PARTY AND I'LL POST A MILLION PICS IF I WANT TO

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Hold on to your seats.  Picture heavy post ahead!

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I'm another year older and another year insane ... um, I mean confident.  I set up my tripod in a field next to a bike path this morning and for the first time ever, had complete disregard for all the early morning passerby and danced around like a fool for the camera.  It was pretty fun actually!

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Did you notice I'm not wearing my boots today?  I decided the perfect birthday outfit would be classic, cinched and playful with perhaps a hint of French inspiration.

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Speaking of inspiration, The Sartorialist's book is AMAZING!!!  The photos speak for themselves, but his words are making my heart dance.  He has such an incredible outlook on personal style and his stories are so touching.  You must get this book immediately!

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In addition to my new book, I got a new laptop bag and socks.  Not exciting socks, either.  Running socks.  I know.  I'm lame.  Oh!  And I got some funds to put towards those shoes I've been eying!

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Now I'm off to eat some greasy bar food (so much for my healthy week), play some darts and pool and possibly belt out some crazy karaoke.

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Man, I LOVE my birthday!

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Thank you all for the birthday wishes!  Hope you've enjoyed my photos!

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Coral Print Skirt: selfmade - Black and White Striped Turtleneck: Ross, $3 - Black Patent Flats: JCP, $8
Black Patent Belt: Ross, $7.50 - Brocade Coat:  Sears, gifted

BIRTHDAY INSPIRATION


Good morning on this lovely day!

A couple of months ago, I went through all the hassle of showing my husband The Sartorialist book and how much I wanted a copy.  Then, I totally forgot all about it.  Luckily, he did not.

And so, the birthday girl will be getting a massive of dose of inspiration today!

book

Thanks, Meatball!

Now, don't forget to check back later for some birthday wears!

Tuesday, November 17, 2009

LOOKING INTO THE FUTURE

Thank you all for your kind comments in the last couple of weeks. I try really hard to visit everyone's blog and thank each of you personally, but if I haven't dropped by your blog, please leave the link in the comment section.

Did anyone try the tutorial from yesterday?  I hope you enjoyed it!  My husband thought that my use of the term "blowhole" was hysterical.  Yes, he is a ten-year-old boy trapped in a man's body.

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On the eve of my last twenty-something birthday, I went super comfy and casual.  Working odd jobs around town meant there was no need to dress up too much.  Luckily, I love my comfy wear sooooo much!  I'm also sporting a fringe-less version of the topknot.

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I promise that come June, I will stop wearing these boots.  Until then, you'll be seeing a lot of them!

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Isn't that a beautiful view?  We live in a valley, so the skyline is oh-so-pretty.

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Now, I'm going to pick out my birthday outfit.  I have to work all day, which means I will be by myself for most of the day ... poopy!  I must feel fabulous in order to keep up my birthday spirit.

So long for tonight and so long 28!
Sweater: Target, $15 - Oxford: SJP, $10 - T: American Apparel, courtesy of Buffalo Exchange
Leggings: Target, $20 - Boots: Target, $35 - Watch: Nooka, Weardrobe conference

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