THESE CORDS WERE MADE FOR ME

These cords are freakin' awesome!  I'm soooo glad that I got them.  They are the absolute most perfect substitution for my skinny jeans when denim is not allowed.  They do tend to get a little linty, though.

I missed out on the daylight today, since I was running tight on time this morning.  When we got home, I retreated to the basement for a quick photo op.  Normally, I would have skipped it, but I love the outfit, so I just HAD to share!  When John realized what I was doing, he asked if I was going for "German and industrial."  Funny guy.  Funny guy.

I truly had no idea what I was going to wear today.  Do you ever have those days when you just don't feel like wearing real clothes.  You know, where the thought of clothing touching your body just makes you cringe? These days are so much easier to deal with in the summer when everything's so flowy and free.  But in the winter, I just have to suck it up and deal.  Bleh.

Anyway, I just went for cords and went from there.  And I kinda really like it!

Cords: a.n.a. from JCP, $16 - Jacket: thrifted, $8 - Henley: Target, $13 - Flats: Madden Girl, $23

IT'S COLD IN THE SHADOWS

Don't let that sunshine and those perfect shadows (including that of my tripod) deceive you.

If I look like I'm in pain, it's because I am.  I literally risked life and limb for these photos.  About ten minutes after getting my gloves back on, my fingers were still throbbing in pain.  Twentyish degrees cold, but totally worth it.

Today, I'm sporting more non-denim work wear, courtesy of my husband for Christmas.  Before giving him all sorts of props for his great taste (hehe), let me clarify that I did the shopping, he did the wrapping.  I've finally invested in a pair of high-waisted pants that actually fit.  Don't worry though, my way too big pair won't be going anywhere anytime soon.

I only wish I had worn different shoes.  John did flex his style muscle this morning by voicing his preference for my blue shoes over these.  I think I was hooked on wearing the studs or something and disregarded his loving input.

Jacket: JCP, $20 - Tee: Target, $6 - Pants: JCP, $21 (but I fully intend to go back for a price adjustment, since they are now down to $15) - Shoes: DIYed Target Flats, $10 - Necklace: NY&Co., $10ish

THAT BELT THING I DO

That Belt Thing I Do from Blue Collar Kyla on Vimeo.

ZIP ZIP ZIP

Today was really frigid.  I had one of those moments while walking a few blocks outside where I was muttering all sorts of obscenities under my breath, because holy sh*t buckets! - it was soooo f'n cold!

Needless to say, after taking these pictures, I went back inside and put on a pair of sock before venturing out again.  I always prefer the "bare" look with flats, but today, it just wasn't worth it.

I've been a little lazy about doing my hair the last couple of days and honestly, it could use a break from the dryer and iron every now and again.

Recently, I've mentioned that my wardrobe is lacking in non-jean, non-dress alternatives.  Since I can't wear jeans to my main job and skirts just aren't gonna happen every day,   I was in desperate need of some different options.  Was being the operative word.

I took advantage of some post-Christmas sales this past weekend and stocked up on some non-denim work pants.  A lovely reader recommended cords a couple of weeks ago.  I bought a pair of cords last year, but rarely wear them.  To be honest, my thighs ... well, they touch (and always have) and the "zip, zip, zip" that cords make while I walk kind of annoys me.  But, I was willing to try again.  I found these skinny cords on whopping sale and was surprised how much I love the fit.  And since they're a skinny fit with a really thin wale, the "zip, zip, zip" is minimal.  Score!

Flannel: Ross, $10 - Tank: Target, $6 - Belt: Gap Outlet, $5 - Cords: JCP, $16 - Flats: Target, $17

BCC'S BEST OF '09

My "best of" series is a little different.  While these are certainly not the best outfits of the year, they are representative of the best moments of the year.

Here we go...

My husband and I took a much needed vacation in April.  We drove to Asheville, NC and just bummed around for a few days in a new city.  It's always so nice to get away.  And, boy, I needed it!

Our vacation also consisted of a quick trip down to Athens, GA for a Wilco concert.  It was by far the best concert moment of my life.  We were among the first people in line and managed to secure a spot in the very front row - a mere 4' from the stage.  It was INCREDIBLE!  While this isn't what I wore, it's the t-shirt I bought as a momento of such an amazing night.

A couple of weeks after our vacation, I went to Baltimore for a 4 day training for what was then my part-time job.  The training was a great experience and that part-time job is now my most-of-the-time job.  I love how life works things out!

For our 5th wedding anniversary, John and I went to New York for the weekend.  It started with a fantastic night of yummy food and a stay in Hotel Giraffe in Manhattan - this shot was taken on the balcony - followed by a day at the MOCCA show.  We then headed to Long Island, where John hails from, to visit some of his oldest friends.  Always a good time.

This may have been the greatest day of the last several years.  The greatest for me on a most personal level, anyway.  This is the day I decided to quit my job.  I had no idea what would happen next, but I just knew it was time to find out.  This was a day filled with tears, anxiety and finally, smiles.  The quitting didn't quite go as planned, but I haven't regretted it for one single second.  Everything works out just as it should.  Life is good.

This one is a pretty obvious high point of the year - the Weardrobe Conference NYC.  I can only hope that I will get to experience something like this again.  If I could only be so lucky.

And, of course, who doesn't love their birthday?  It wasn't anything extraordinary, but it was spent with people I love and great friends.  Each year brings such treasures - I just can't wait to see what happens this year!

The great moments of '09 certainly aren't limited to this list, but these are the ones that have stuck with me.  The holidays are right up there, too.  We had a wonderful time with my family this year.  Christmas Eve was spent visiting, nibbling, listening to music, wrapping presents, decorating the Christmas tree and finishing last minute gifts.  It was almost better than Christmas day!

What was your best moment in '09?

WHAT WILL YOU DO NEXY YEAR?

Anybody else getting all reflective this week?  I've been thinking a lot about the past year and how much I've grown.  It's been full of ups and downs and everything in between.  But, that's history now and I'm turning my focus to the future.

There's soooo much I want to accomplish in the coming year.  So much so that my resolutions are becoming a bit overwhelming!  In order to guarantee the growth and productivity that I'd like to see in 2010, I'm trying to make my goals as specific as possible.

Here's just a few I've got floating around in my head:

1.  Streamline my work schedule and maximize my income.  Duh, right?  Who wouldn't want to do this?  For me, it means going after the things that I want to do and making every hour as efficient as possible.  I anticipate starting 2 new endeavors this year.  Both should allow me the freedom of time to back off of the odd jobs that I do.  I realize this sounds kind of vague, but it's only because I'm not quite ready to put it all on the table yet.  Soon enough.  Soon enough.

2.  Try one new (healthy) recipe every week.

3.  Run a 9 mile race next November.

Hmm ... they don't look like much when they're written down.  I think that helped!  Now, execution is key.

What are your New Year's Resolutions?

FOR YOUR PLEASURE: THE UGLY SWEATER SERIES

 Installment #5:  The Finale

Without further ado, the last and, quite possibly, the ugliest of the holiday sweater collection.  It's got maroon, blue and teal, reindeer and snowflakes - what more could you ask for?

If you are celebrating today, I hope you have an amazing day spent with family and friends.
Merry Christmas!

YOU ARE MY SUNSHINE

These pictures are super grainy.  It was my first set until I realized I had the ISO set at 800.  Oopsie!  Once I fixed it, I looked really dumb in the rest of the pictures.  Figures.

This blazer is one of my all time favorite pieces!  I can't believe this is its first wear of the season.  I purchased it last year on a total whim, but there was no way in hell I was letting this beauty slip through my fingers.

I went to see Coco Before Chanel last week.  It was amazing.  I couldn't believe how inspired I felt afterward.  So much so that I gave my best shot at channeling the late and great Coco.  I love the scene where she takes her man friend's clothing and makes it work for herself.  These baggy pants were the perfect piece for my humble imitation.  And, of course, the stripes.  You gotta have the stripes.

P.S.  There's a pretty good possibility that I may never wear an un-cuffed blazer again.

Blazer: The Loft, $30 - Shirt: H&M, $25 - Pants: JCP, $25 - Flats: Madden Girl, $23

MORE OF THE SAME

I had about 5 different outfits on this morning.  For some reason, I was completely blank on what I wanted to wear.  What gives?

With only a few minutes left before dashing out the door, I finally settled on this.  It's really just a big ole' hash of some fairly recent outfits.  Do you recognize all of the pieces?

Sweater: TJMaxx, $20 - Shirt: Bitten, $10 - Skirt: Thrifted, $2 
Hooters tights: TJMaxx, $6 - Socks: Target, $6 - Boots: Target, $6

RAMBLINGS OF A MONDAY AFTERNOON

A day late and a dollar short, but anyway...

1. Christmas is only 3 days away.  Holy.  Crap.  I have not wrapped a single present, yet.

2.  I helped John with his Christmas shopping last night.  And by "helped," I mean I went to the mall and bought a few wardrobe staples for myself, brought them home and told him to wrap them.  Wow, we're lame.

3.  As the year ends, I'm realizing that this was one of the best ones yet.  2009 goes down in history for sure!

4.  2010 is going to be even better!  I just know it!

5.  Merry Christmas, Happy New Year and Happy Holidays to all of you!  You all play a huge part in the awesomeness that has been 2009.  Thank you, thank you, thank you!

I realize there' one more Monday this year, so instead of a "ramblings" post, I will be counting down the top 5 moments of 2009.  Stay tuned!

SIDEKICK

My sidekick and I went out for a little frolic in the white stuff today.  Well, he frolicked, I awkwardly snapped some photos while trying not to teeter into said white stuff.

I nearly wiped out about five times in the parking lot.  The snow gets melty and then compacted and frozen and then very, very slippery!

Have no fear, though.  I have impeccable balance.

Jacket: Strawberry, $30 - Dress: JCP, $24 - Scarf: Vintage, Marnie's - Boots: Payless, courtesy of Weardrobe Conference

DISCO BALL

I'm making you all hold out on the final (and ugliest) installation in the Ugly Sweater Series, so until then, I will dazzle you with my holiday wear.

We went to a friend's Christmas party last night and for the first time in WEEKS, I was able to thoroughly enjoy myself, knowing that I didn't have to be out the door this morning.  I still got up at 9:30, but I'm also still in my pajamas ... and it's 1:14.  Aaaahhhhh ... "weekends."

I was so excited to wear this little get up and am a little bummed that the pictures are not doing it much justice.  A perfect example of why I will freeze my butt off to get an outdoor shot.  Alas, it was too dark out last night.

This sequin skirt was originally the bottom half of a sparkly dress that I made 3 years ago for New Years Eve.  I never ended up wearing it and finally came to terms with the fact that there just aren't a lot of places in my life for sequin dresses.  Sad, I know.  Upon swallowing this harsh reality, I turned the dress into a slightly easier to wear sequin skirt with a wide elastic waist band.

I love it paired with the simple t-shirt and little tux jacket.  The dark purple tights were a bit of an afterthought and really just happened because I couldn't find a pair of black tights.

Thanks, giant GIANT pile of clothes that ate my black tights!  The purple was a much better choice after all!

Jacket: Sears, $12.50 - T-shirt: courtesy of Cheap Monday and Weardrobe Conference - Brooch: vintage

Skirt:  fruits of my labor - Tights: Hue, super cheap - Flats: JCP, $8

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DOUBLEMINT

Yay, Friday!  I still have to work really early tomorrow, but that just means I'm done early.  Then, we'll be off to start finish our Christmas shopping!  And it looks like there's some snow in our future!

Last time I wore this dress, I was wishing my tights were more opaque.  So, today I doubled up.  More coverage = less cold.

I think I prefer the last wear, but this works, too.

Many of you have been asking me about taking my pictures outside.  It is cold, but it's totally worth it.  We're not into the frigid temps yet, so I can think warm thoughts for the 5 minutes it takes me to snap a few frames.

Scarf: Target, $13 (gift) - Dress: thrifted JCrew, $4 - Turtleneck: Ross, $3 - Boots: Target, $35

Gloves: Kohls, $7? - Belt from yesterday (I fogot): H&M, $12? from years ago

OH, THURSDAY

This is a really uninspiring backdrop, but it was kind of one of those days.  Lots of rushing around - ugh, I hate that.

However, I did not hate my outfit.  It's just a new collaboration of old items.  I wonder if there's a mathematical way to figure out how many possible combinations exist in my wardrobe.  That would be awesome ...

Now, I'm home and chillin' like a villain.  I've swapped out the skirt and tights for a pair of zebra print jammy bottoms and I'm watching the 8th season of 90210.  It's sooooo bad.  Is there any tragic even that didn't happen to Kelly Taylor?  But at this point, I'm so invested that I just have to finish the entire series.  On the bright side, it's the easiest show to multi-task while watching!

Cardigan: H&M, $29 - T-shirt: American Apparel, $22 - Suede skirt: Thrifted, $4

Boots: Payless, courtesy of the Weardrobe Conference

SNOWY SHORES

From a distance, I think this photo looks like a beach.  (Go ahead ... take a few steps back.  You'll see what I mean.)  But, alas, it is not.  It is, instead, a snowy field.  Oh, joy.

I am pretty stoked to see the blue skies, though.  Even if they do come with sub-freezing temps.  There was even a lovely breeze today.  Behold:

Oh, winter.  Such fun.

I'm actually rather fond of today's ensemble.  Grandpa sweater.  Leather skirt.  Tall boots.  What's not to like?  I didn't really have any preconceived notions about how these pieces were going to go together, but as I kept layering, it took on a mind of its own and morphed into this.

Skirt: weardobe clothing swap ... thanks, Krystal! - Sweater: Target, $25 - Oxford: Bitten by SJP, $10 - Tee: Target, $6

Boots: Target: $35 - Necklace: Target, $7ish