good news, bad news, awesome news

Good news: I've participated in Summer Blackout 2010 so far! I've created two whole outfits without any black in them at all.

Bad news: I haven't taken any pictures of them. Sad day. I'll have to do dramatic reenactments.

Awesome news: I've finally gotten off my lazy butt and have nearly finished a new dress! I'm sewing Simplicity 2883 in a green and white floral print. It's super simple, but very pretty. I don't know if I'll have it done in time to wear to work (since I have to leave in 45 minutes and I haven't even taken a shower yet) but at least I'll have it done soon!

Summer Blackout 2010

I've been reading Already Pretty for probably about a year now- one of my first tenuous forays into the world of fashion blogging, and when Sally posted the idea for the Summer Blackout, I was intrigued.

Basically the Summer Blackout is a whole week without wearing black pieces- black dress, black pants, black shirts. Black shoes and accessories are allowed, as well as prints with black in them, but it's a challenge to go as far as possible within one's wardrobe without settling for the comfort and safety of black.

I want to take the challenge because I want to push myself. I have a couple of nice black dresses to wear to work, and some black tees that I wear on my days off, and since I work at a bridal shop where wearing black is common, I can already feel myself slipping into that comfortable realm. I'd like to stop that in its tracks.

I also want to wear brighter colors. My usual palette is navy, red, and white, sometimes with yellow. Occasionally I wear pink. But I want to wear some outrageous color, and I feel like this is a good week for that.

So I'm taking the Summer Blackout 2010 Challenge. Are you?

a sudden lack of creativity

I love this outfit, but I'm simply too tired and unmotivated to say much about it. I later added a sage green organza flower that I rescued after it was separated from its bridesmaid dress while I was in the alterations shop today. So I pinned it to my hair, and yea and verily it was precious.

Top: Old Navy
Dress: American Eagle
Shoes: Target children's department

Scent: Bath and Body Works Pink Grapefruit

For some reason I look uncomfortable and makeup-less. I can assure you that I was quite happy, and was wearing lip gloss and mascara.

sexy librarian

This is the kind of style I'd like to wear more often. It was completely effortless to put together, but looks all grown-up and planned.

Top: Ann Taylor Loft Petites (thrifted)
Skirt: Barefoot in the Park skirt, handmade (self-drafted pattern)
Shoes: Jessica Simpson

Scent: Vera Wang Glam Princess

I found the top at Goodwill for $4.29, but I got it half-price. It's a super thin knit shirt from Ann Taylor Loft Petites. It fits perfectly...the only problem was that it had holes all over the bottom.


I solved it pretty easily, though. I turned the shirt inside out, folded it all the way around at the center of the hole-y area, pinned it, and pressed it.

Then I sewed a seam all the way around, creating a tuck. and pressed it down. Voila! Now it looks like a design feature.

Also, the holes are completely disguised. SWEET.

I already talked about sewing the skirt here, but I have to say it's ridiculously comfortable. And it makes me look thinner, which is always a plus.

Also, the shoes belonged to my sister, who outgrew them. She's four years younger than me.

Barefoot in the Park skirt

Whenever I audition, I tend to dress for the role I want. Like when I auditioned for Adelaide in Guys and Dolls, I wore a royal blue wiggle dress. And when I auditioned for Snoopy!!! The Musical, I wore chucks and pigtails. So when I was called back for Barefoot in the Park, I wore a high waisted skirt, a white buttoned blouse, black tights, and black heels with my hair in a bun.

Barefoot in the Park Skirt

Made: November of 2008

Made for: Barefoot in the Park callbacks

Pattern: none

Materials: black and purple plaid wool

Cost: free!

Time to Make: about an hour

My sister brought me about a yard of purple and black wool when she cleaned out the costume closet at her high school. It was too pretty to waste, but I didn't know what to make with such a small amount.

When I was getting ready for Barefoot in the Park callbacks (I was called back for the mother), I pulled out this fabric and whipped the skirt together in just about an hour. It's my first high waisted skirt, which makes me a little nervous, seeing as how I am large of boob. It actually looked rather nice on me.

I haven't worn it in a while, but I've lost some weight since then, and I'm hoping it fits even better when I wear it to work tomorrow.

Here's the back view. The skirt fastens with a zipper and a hook-and-eye tab disguised by two large buttons. I used white because it was the only color in my stash.

Here's how I wore it:

gingham bubble

I bought this dress last summer at Forever 21 in Orlando. I considered it to be a very trendy purchase at the time, and wore it to the Disney parks on my days off, usually with a black or white tank underneath. When I got back to school, I wore it to classes and rehearsals with a black cardigan, black leggings, and red shoes.

It's still one of my favorite pieces, but I'm debating about it. The knit fabric is a little on the worn side (like I said, it's a favorite piece) and I don't think the bubble does much for my figure. But at the same time, it's super comfortable and still cute.

Cami: Macy's
Top: American Eagle
Dress: Forever 21
Shoes: Target children's department
Bag: Harajuku Lovers via Kohl's

Scent: Bath and Body Works Black Amethyst

I really need to take more risks with accessories. Of course, that means I need to actually get accessories...any good recommendations?

this...this doesn't help me at all.

In my never-ending quest to discover my personal style, I realized I don't even know what that is. So like any girl who had a Myspace in the early 2000s, I turned to internet quizzes. And they offered almost no help.

(from Ladies Home Journal)

Your Style Is: Classically Chic

You're a woman who loves her life -- you've worked hard to get where you are, and you're darn proud of it! You are brimming with confidence and assertiveness, and friends and colleagues know that if they need help solving a problem, you're the woman to see.

Looking pulled-together at all times is a priority for you. That's why you rely on classic, simple items that don't require a lot of thought and have timeless style.

Your wardrobe staples:

• Several impeccably-cut suits in neutral shades of navy, black, charcoal, and chocolate. Buy pants and skirts for more options.
• Tailored button-down oxfords. They look great under a jacket, and just as good paired with weekend jeans.
  
• Cashmere crewneck sweaters. Stock up on sleeveless versions for summer, long-sleeved ones for winter.
• Glossy leather pumps with a manageable heel of 1 to 2 inches.
• Man-style oxfords to wear with pants.
  
• A stainless steel tank watch, which goes with everything.

(from Quiz Rocket)

(yeah, that helps a lot)

(from iVillage)

You Are Romantic

Things aren't worth much to you unless they have some personal meaning or a foothold in the past. For you, objects in the material world have a spirit that they carry with them, so you gravitate towards vintage clothing and jewellery. You are very sensual and feminine, and the way things feel is as important to you as how they look. You're not particularly interested in current styles because your reference points are timeless, but when you think of trends, you tend to think in terms of century rather than season. You often have a signature colour or hairstyle that you're loyal to, and perhaps even known for. You are a dreamer, and you often think of clothing as a costume.

Style role models include Winona Ryder, Nicole Kidman and Helena Bonham Carter.

(from Style.com)

Classic

I love timeless, elegant styles: a flat front trouser, a well-cut suit jacket, a luxurious cashmere sweater, a frame purse, a midheeled black pump. When I try on a garment, I am as interested in how it feels on my body as I am in how it looks. My favorite pieces were handed down to me from my grandmother or discovered at my favorite vintage store. I wear them year in and year out. After all, good taste never goes out of style!

(from Daily Fashion)

Preppy

Sweater sets and khaki's are a major part of your expanding Jcrew and GAP wardrobe. You like to stay updated with the up and coming fashion styles but you don't go too crazy! You tend to buy clothes that will stay in fashion for more than a season and ones that you can mix and match!

Although the bright colors, leather and the bohemian styles don't exactly flow with your own personal style you still find room in your wardrobe to stay hip with the changing trends.

Your "good girl" look pleases your mother but is also timeless and fashionable. People realize that you care about what you look like, but not at the expense of expensive clothes that are only fashionable for one season!

We at DailyFashion.com say "Go Girl!" You have chosen a style that is simple, fashionable and timeless but that won't put you out a pretty penny either! Your preppy style gives guys the impression that you are sweet and innocent but with a little mystery to match!

(from Ok Cupid)

Glamorous Soul

40% Flamboyance, 56% Originality, 55% Deliberateness, 50% Sexiness

You choose your outfits carefully according to many criteria. You don't like looking cheap, dull or random and you go to great lengths to avoid this. You are successful, too. People admire your taste and sex appeal. Many try to imitate you but not many can recreate your unique style. Sometimes, however, they find you too intimidating to approach. If you don't wear retro style yet, perhaps you should consider it. It would become greatly your sexy, mysterious self.

See? See? This does nothing for me. Nothing. I'm apparently a classically chic, romantic, frumpy, preppy, glamorous soul. I have no idea what I am!

Did any of these quizzes nail you, or are you as confused as I am?

(Also, I would just like to say that I can only spell "glamorous" by singing the Fergie song of the same name in my head.)

the Indie Darling Dress

So I'm addicted to Modcloth. One of the first dresses I fell in love with was the Indie Darling Dress- which, unfortunately, was out of stock. So I waited. And waited and waited and waited. A few months later, lo and behold, it came back! I ordered it promptly, and today was the first day I wore it out.

Dress: the Indie Darling Dress via Modcloth

Shoes: Earth Spirit

Headband: Claire's

Scent: Miss Dior Cherie

Since it was my first time to wear it, I didn't feel the need to remix it a whole bunch. But I have an oh-maz-ing owl belt that will look fabulous with it.

Also, I think this project is really helping me with my goal to get in better shape. I'm very uncomfortable in all of these pictures...I think once I feel like I look better, I'll be more at ease.

I feel like a teddy bear

It has been an odd day, and I am currently in a rather out-of-sorts mood. My allergies are out of whack, I'm going to miss my best friend's college graduation tomorrow, and it's unreasonably hot. Maybe that's why I'm scowling so bad in this picture.

Top: thrifted
Jumper: Target
Boots: Target's children's department
Necklace: a gift from my husband's best friend (and the best man at our wedding); he bought it in San Francisco
Headband: Snitched from my sister
Bag: Target

Scent: Abercrombie and Fitch

I have a funny story about the A&F perfume. I've only entered one of their stores once, when I was fifteen. I was in the middle of my rabid anime geek phase, and had just purchased a Naruto headband (this was in 2003ish, before it was cool). My friends dragged me in Abercrombie, and I rebelled by tying on my headband and loudly complaining that the store smelled.

(I was a delight to be around in middle school/early high school. Seriously.)

But P was working at the mall in another store, and one day he was cleaning up after the mall had closed only to find a forgotten bag containing a newly purchased bottle of $65 Abercrombie and Fitch girl's perfume. There was no lost and found he could take it to and his store was just going to toss it, so he brought it to me. It actually smells nice on me...although I won't be purchasing a new one when it runs out.

Tomorrow I'm working open-to-close at the bridal shop, but I might be running out to see newly-graduated friends. So I'm going to wear the Indie Darling dress from Modcloth. It is love in navy and ruffles.

feels like summer

I am so awkward in front of cameras. I feel really self conscious asking people to take pictures for me. I can't wait to get the tripod from my parents' house.

I had the day off from work, so I grabbed lunch with my friend Rose and we went thrifting. I had a pretty exciting haul (as well as a story about the romper from hell). I just wanted to be cool and comfortable. And I was, but unfortunately I don't look very comfortable in the picture.

Top: Macy's
Shorts: Walmart
Heels: Walmart
Necklace: made by a friend
Sunnies: sale on campus
Bag: Harajuku Lovers

Scent: American Eagle 77

These shorts are incredibly comfortable. I bought them last summer to wear to the Disney parks when I wasn't working...at the Disney parks.

Tomorrow- depending on how much I get done on my sewing list- I might wear a purple plaid skirt. It all depends on how fast I sew...

hot pink is punchy

Two things I learned today:

Get ready earlier and take pictures in the sunshine, when my makeup is still fresh and I'm not frazzled from an eight-hour alterations shift.

Patrick is no longer allowed to take my pictures for me. Case in point:

Tee: Target
Skirt: Old Navy
Shoes: American Eagle (a gift from the hubster)
Purse: Target
Necklace: Handmade by a friend (although her Etsy shop is currently on hiatus)

Scent: Bath and Body Works Pink Grapefruit

Gah. P is NOT ALLOWED to take my pictures anymore!

But on the upside, I just remembered there's a tripod at my parents' house. Perfectly aligned photos will soon be mine!

fashionably late and baby steps

I'm late to the fashion party, so to speak.

I have never really been considered fashionable. My childhood was spent in whatever my mother dressed me in- it wasn't until middle school that I realized that my high-waisted straight-leg jeans and tucked-in polo shirts were dorky. I have always been self-conscious, so I spent the next few years trying vainly to dress like my peers.

In the middle of my freshman year of high school we moved to northern Kentucky, right on the border of Ohio, and I entered a new school for the first time since kindergarten. And this new school required uniforms. The next two and a half years were fun for me- collecting neutral-colored but exciting shoes, wearing mismatching socks and crazy earrings, and dolling up my incredibly long hair.

However, we moved to Tennessee two weeks before my senior year of high school started. Now I had to follow a strict dress code...I would have preferred to have a uniform. I wore dress pants and collared shirts day in and day out for that entire year.

When college hit, I was attacked by the freshman...well, thirty-five or so, and launched into an up-and-down weight battle that is still going on. I wore ill-fitting jeans (even short lengths are too long on me) and lots of knit tops from the junior's department.

Yes, I wanted pretty clothes, but I didn't know what I was looking for. In fact, I still don't.

All I know for sure is that I want a wardrobe that I can mix-and-match, and I want it to be primarily dresses. I discovered in my last year of school that I was much more comfortable and felt more like myself when I wore dresses instead of pants, and I've only worn jeans three times so far this year.

Unfortunately, my wardrobe isn't very well planned. I need to design outfits that can go together from the beginning, and then start mixing and matching from there. The thing is, I don't know what I want.

A lot of people can define their style: preppy, punk, rocker chic, trendy, vintage. What's mine? Eclectic, I guess, which is a nice way of saying that nothing I own goes together.

I have to embark on a planned journey towards a real style. And believe me, I've read the books about "what fashion staples every woman needs." But what do I need with khaki slacks and oxfords?

I've found a starting point...but I hope it's not too creepy. I've just been a huge fan of The Clothes Horse for about a year now, and I've realized that her style is the closest to what I'd like to wear. I've been rereading her blog archives and studying the pieces that she has, trying to figure out what pieces I need to look for.

Like I said...it's kind of stalkerish. But I'm really fashionably desperate. And I love her style.

Baby steps towards dressing better, that's all it is. It's going to be a long process...I hope everything works out in the end!

High School Drama Queen

It's my very first Wardrobe Remix post! I'm a little nervous, because my fashion is still in its nascent stages, but I think it's pretty cute.

I have to dress rather conservatively for my job at the bridal shop. That dress has seen better days- I wore it a lot to work on sets and in the shop- but the cobalt color is just so bright and punchy. Pairing it with a lot of black makes me feel like a high school drama queen- the star of every production who takes herself too seriously.

Do I look at bit frazzled? I had finished an eight-hour shift in alterations, then went fabric shopping for some new projects, then wrestled with post-flood traffic...a lot of Nashville roads are still closed.

Tank: Thrifted
Dress: Old Navy
Leggings: Claire's
Cardigan: Thrifted
Beads: Thrifted
Plaid flats: Target
Purse: Japan pavilion in Epcot

Scent: Abercrombie & Fitch

What do you think of my first remix post? Questions, comments, complaints? Toasters?

Clothes for Tomorrow

I haven't purposefully laid out my outfit the night before since I was in fourth grade and my mother would nag at me to do it. Thank God for high school when I got to wear a uniform!

In any case, our apartment is rather small and there isn't much space for me to lay out an outfit. Luckily, I found the perfect spot.

I got an adjustable dressform for my college graduation in December, and I don't know how I lived without it. Sewing is so much easier without trying to pin darts on your own back. Her name is Giselle, and she's one of the most amazing things ever.

In any case, there's my outfit for tomorrow. If it's good enough, I might even post it on Wardrobe Remix.

Or I might chicken out.

Also, that's totally Whose Line Is It Anyway? on the television in the background. It's still one of my favorite shows...but I can't watch it with my best friend anymore. She's seen all the episodes and can (and will) quote along.

New Shoes: Gray Victorian Boots

I've been searching for a pair of inexpensive Victorian-style boots, and lo and behold, I found them! It's the Briana boots, on clearance at Forever 21.

Purchased for $23.97

New Dress: Vintage Black Pinstripes

New purchase on its way: a black bloused-sleeve pinstripe dress. Possibly vintage...the seller was vague.

Purchased for $9.94.

Hey, Kids, I Cut My Hair

My hair has a long and storied history. It has been short...

...and long...


...and somewhere in between.

I've teased it...


...and curled it...

...and once wore it in braids every day for five months because of work.

Not to mention all the times I've dyed and highlighted it (bleach streaks, blonde streaks, red streaks, Little Mermaid red, ash blonde, dark brown...and one unfortunate time, jet black).

For my wedding in March of 2010, I grew it long and stripped all of the dye jobs out (poor hair).

But after keeping it long (and admittedly shaggy...I didn't trim it as often as I should have) for several years, I got tired of it and cut it off about a week after the wedding. I went to a little shop in Green Hills and chopped off seven inches.

That helped, but I wanted layers. Being a poor newlywed, I decided to break out my own scissors and give it a shot. First I cut my bangs so they would be thick and even.

Then...well, I wish I could say that I proceeded with caution and careful planning, but instead I took the scissors to my head with reckless abandon. I just kept cutting off bits until I had trimmed everything and cut in lots of flippy layers.

Although it was a scary thing to do, I absolutely love how it turned out. Plus, my hair curls really well now!


And a depiction of the aftermath:

Portrait of the Blogger as a Young Girl

My sister posted some old childhood photos of us...I think we were pretty cute kids.

(And in case you were wondering, I'm older by four years.)

I'm probably watching Sesame Street while my mother tries to take a picture.

That was my all time favorite sleepwear. I called it my ballerina nightgown.

I actually got that same doll for Christmas again last year.

Yes, Belle was definitely my favorite princess when I was little.

I always loved reading...Lindsay liked looking at the pictures. Now that we're almost grown ups, I love to write and she loves to draw.

The first day of third grade for me, the first day of kindergarten for Lindsay. And more proof that Belle was my favorite princess!

My mouth looks funny because I had to wear an orthodontic piece called a frankel for several years. It was painful, but it meant that I only wore braces for a year and half.

So that's a handful of pictures from the past. Although I don't think I would want to wear any of the outfits ever again.

Except the pink dress. I might wear the pink dress again...

But just for fun, here's my sister and I now! This was taken at my bachelorette party in February. She bought that red coat at a thrift store, and that night two drunk gay men tried to buy it from her while we were at IHOP at three in the morning. She wouldn't let them buy it, but she did let the blond one try it on. It was hilarious.

Virtual Shopping Jaunts

Now, I enjoy shopping as much as the next girl. I like meeting friends at the mall, strolling around, perusing shops, snacking on overpriced pretzels. It's a nice way to spend the day.

However, I rarely get any real shopping done. I usually pick up a top or a pair of shoes or a headband, carry it around for an hour or two while agonizing, and eventually put it back. There is no rhyme or reason to my shopping, just an insatiable desire for stuff.

But as I begin my quest for a fantastic wardrobe, I know I need to be more careful about what I choose. Therefore, I'm starting out with a good friend of mine: Ebay.

I've made my list of sewing projects and necessary wardrobe pieces for the month, and I've made a couple of tentative bids.



A black pin stripe dress

A black Libertine dress

Black strappy sandals

A red bag

Black tights

I'm also going to hit up Target for a plain white tee shirt and jeggings. So, in other words, I'm getting a crap ton of basic pieces.

I've also planned three outfits I'm going to sew. One is this Anthropologie dress.

I think that this jersey from Denver Fabrics will do quite nicely, don't you?

I have also been inspired by the outfit from The Clothes Horse. I love the floral trim on the hem. I made an 18th century gown that had a very similar feel, just on a larger scale, but that went to the costume department instead of my own stock. It'll be nice to have such a pretty dress in my own wardrobe.

I also have designed an outfit inspired by Snow White. She's not one of my favorite princesses, but her dress is so iconic and lovely. I'm thinking a puff-sleeve blouse, a yellow skirt, and a navy vest, plus a red headband.

Now...where to find the money...

(By the way, I do commissions. In case you were wondering. Also, I am a poor newlywed.)