MONDAY?

How can it only be Monday?  Last week, I was singing its praises.  Today, I'm already feeling like the week is getting away from me.  Blrgrgegrueguewj ...  That's how I feel about that.

I was up super late last night and early this morning ... but not early enough, so I was rushing around like crazy to get out the door.  Luckily, the meetings I had today were super productive and enjoyable and I was able to spend the afternoon with my mom, which is always a good time.

I'm just feeling a little anxious about all the running around I'm going to be doing this week.  There's going to be a lot of flying by the seat of my pants.  Better get some cute pants ...

Until then, I'll just try to breath.  And breath again.

Jacket: Target, $7.50 - Cardigan: BonTon, $10 - T-shirt: Target, $15ish

Jeans: courtesy of indidenim.com - Shoes: Saucony - Scarf: Target, $13

RAMBLINGS OF A MONDAY AFTERNOON

Ah, Monday.  Today, I'm not such a big fan of you.  Alas, my mind keeps going ...

1.  I made a NEW recipe yesterday and it is freakin' awesome!  AND, I didn't screw it up at all.  It's a Mexican chicken stewy-type dish, done in the crock pot.  If you're interested, I'll post the recipe later.

2.  I forgot to tell you last week that I did Disco Abs with Cheryl Burke.  Awesomeness ensued.

3.  I returned those yellow shoes I got a couple of weeks ago.  They weren't super great, and Wilco announced their spring tour, and I put the money towards a pair of tickets instead.  Money well spent.

4.  I spent last night helping a really close friend pack up her house.  She's moving and it hasn't quite sunk in yet that she's not coming back.  Suckiness.

5.  My mom's coming to spend the day with me!  Yay!  That will surely cheer me up.  Though, I'm not sad so much as tiiiiiired ...

Have a happy Monday!

THEN AND NOW

I forgot my baby's birthday!  No, not the husband's.  Not the dog's.
I forgot my blog's birthday!

That's right - Blue Collar Catwalk turned 1 on January 11.
This first year has been amazing and this little blog has led to many new friendships and opportunities that have been out of this world.

Not only that, but my style has grown leaps and bounds.  Blogging has ignited creativity in me that has been dormant for years.  Where I used to wear the same few outfits for weeks on end, now, I barely ever repeat looks.  Not because I don't want to be seen in the same thing twice, but because I love the challenge to remix the same pieces into new combinations each day.  And even though I don't repeat many outfits, my wardrobe gets so much more use.  I'm wearing everything over and over - just in different ways.

Over the past year, my style has evolved so, so much.  I can't believe how much more pulled together and "me" my style feels now.  But don't take my word for it.  Here's a little "then and now" to show you how I've changed.  Enjoy!

Click "then" photos for the original posts.

Then:

Now:

Then:

Now:

Then:

Now:

Then:

Now:

Happy Birthday, BCC!  Here's to another great year!

SUPPORT

Hey, guys!  I just wanted to spread the word about an awesome fundraiser that a very awesome blogger lady is doing.  If you haven't seen the ride necklaces that Linda is making and selling to raise money for cancer research, then you must go here now.

And while we're on the topic of supporting those suffering in the world, please help Haiti by donating to the American Red Cross.  I thought it was really cool that RueLaLa.com halted all of its online boutiques until tomorrow morning and instead, sent an email to all members, encouraging them to donate to the disaster in Haiti.  It's so refreshing to come across a socially-conscience company.

SUPER CASZ

Well, I've finally jumped on the tights+jean shorts bandwagon. And it's kind of fun.

You all know my thoughts on my legs and shorts, etc., but I'm really comfortable in this.  It's cute and cozy, and even a little sexy to boot (I LOVE a man's shirt!).

If I look a little bloated here - it's because I just cleaned up at an Indian buffet.  Holy goodness - I love that stuff.  I'm a super big fan of the little dough balls in sugar syrup - (though I'm sure they have an actual name, I just don't know what it is) - they're like little pieces of heaven.  If heaven was a dough ball.

I'm not sure why I haven't done the jorts and tights combo before, but I'm pretty sure it had to do with the fact that I had to go dig out my summer clothes in order to do it.  No fun.  Especially when your basment is FREEZING!  I feel like I rarely even do laundry in the winter, because it's so cold.  Yeah, I stink.

But, really, who needs to do laundry when you can just steal your husband's clothes?

Shirt: husbands closet - Jorts: thrifted and cut-off, $4 - Shoes: Target with DIY studding, $10
Coat: Esprit via Ross, $80 - Belt: vintage, Mom's closet

WEATHER VAIN

You guys, I'm completely head over heels for my outfit today.  Does that make me vain?

Not only was everything incredibly cheap, but it's got a little personal touch.  I thrifted this skirt a couple of months ago and finally got around to altering it.  I lopped off about 8" and tucked the sides to create a tulip-y shape.  I gotta admit ... I done good!

When I first brought this baby home, John thought it was hideous.  In his defense, it did have a strong resemblance to a shower curtain.  But, he also doesn't share my vision and failed to see this lovely's potential.  And you know what?  He LOVED my outfit today.  And not in the obligatory-husband-way, either.

And are you checking out the awesomeness that is my new Target jacket?!  I very well may just sleep in it tonight.  AND the best part - it was 42*F today, so it was all I needed to keep me warm!

And I couldn't resist sporting the specs again today.  I've always been a fan of nerdy frames (anyone else remember buying them at Claire's circa 1990?), but I flipped for them after reading The Sartorialist.  One of the few blurbs in the book is dedicated to the awesomeness that is geek chic.

Jacket: Target, $7.50 - Cardigan: JCP, $12 - Skirt: thrifted and altered, $2 - Flats: Target, $17

80s PURPLE

Remember waaaay back in September when I was lucky enough to attend the Weardrobe Conference in NYC?  Well, I just finally got around to cashing in one of the gift cards we received from yet another generous sponsor ... 80spurple.com.

In true Blue Collar form, I waited for a crazy sale to make sure I got the biggest bang for my buck.  My order arrived yesterday, and I immediately styled up this simple knit dress and groovy specs for proper wear.

After trying on just about every scarf I own, I finally decided that the only one I thought wouldn't work was actual the perfect touch!  And with Julie's awesome little tutorial, I was able to wear it a giant cowl neck, just as I envisioned.

Unfortunately, I missed the sun today and had to take indoor pics.  But, on the bright side, I can already tell that the days are getting longer!  Woohoo!

Dress: courtesy of 80spurple.com gift card - Glasses: courtesy of 80spuple.com gift card - Tee: Target, $6ish

Scarf: Target, $13 (gift card) - Boots: Target, $35 - Belt: mom's