Daily Style: Thursday, 4/4

jersey pencil skirt (Old Navy, $20)

cashmere short-sleeved sweater (hand-me-down, $free)
camo scarf (eBay, $13)

black booties (Dollhouse, Clothes Mentor, $15)

I just watched this Lookbook.nu Web Series video and all I can say is, that's 9 minutes of my life I'll never get back. Terrible. Just terrible. I wouldn't even hate-watch more of this.

Daily Style: Monday, 3/25

cream dolman sleeved top (MNG by Mango @ JCP)  

embroidered faux leather peplum top (Worthington @ JCP, $25)

black/tan stripe jersey pencil skirt (Old Navy, $15)

ankle booties (Worthington "Shawna" @ JCP, $37)

rose ring (Clothes Mentor, $4)

gold watch (Nixon "Small Player" via Amazon)

You may have noticed my new skirt.

Oh, yeah, also I dyed my hair back to dark.

Daily Style: Monday, 3/4

 

jersey pencil skirt (Old Navy, $20)

floral top (H&M via Clothes Mentor, $4)

embroidered faux leather peplum top (Worthington @ JCP, $25)

black pumps (Simply Vera by Vera Wang @ Kohl's, $49) 

You guys, I swear Old Navy is not paying me this... (that's not to say I won't accept payment) 

These jersey skirts are the freakin' best. They are so comfortable, figure-flattering, and inexpensive. They come in a wide array of colors and stripe patterns, which seem to change from time to time. They can be worn to the office or styled for weekend wear. I recently bought 3 more of these suckers. One in red, one in tan/black stripes and another solid black. 

Currently they are on sale for $17 (down from $24.94) and you can get 15% off your entire online order from now through Thursday. 

Um... what are you still doing on this page? Go! Buy!

(BTW... I cannot be held responsible for any actions from my site that may have led to the breaking of any shopping bans.)

Daily Style: Friday, 2/15 + Be A Man Challenge

 white men's shirt (Marshal Field's, thrifted, $1.25)

 black/grey cow print sweater (Nina Leonard, thrifted, $1.50)
flare jeans (To The Max, Clothes Mentor, $12)
 black leather booties (Steve Madden via Filene's Basement, $45)

 I tried several different tucking techniques here, and eventually settled on the above.

Ally @ Shybiker set forth a challenge to "Be A Man". The challenge consists of dressing in men's clothing, as a man would dress in men's clothing (unlike I've done today), keeping hair and makeup as a man and reporting our feelings. I hope it's not cheating, but I had already done the task a couple years back, so I'm capitalizing on it now.

Please forgive the cigarette in some photos, I smoked at the time. (Obviously.) I've since quit.

This was a Halloween costume for me some years ago. I don't usually wear costumes,  mostly because I'm lazy and if you want a store-bought one, you have to be some form of slut. The year prior to this I was a drag queen. I thought it would be interesting to be a woman dressed as a man, impersonating a woman. It wasn't too difficult. The following year I decided to do the opposite, and dress as a drag king. I purchased facial hair from a costume shop, shaped it according to the style I preferred, and glued it on my face. I borrowed my brothers shirt and purchased a pair of inexpensive mens jeans. (My hips were too big to wear my brothers size.) I wore no makeup, pulled my then long hair into a low pony-tail and wore a baseball cap. I was going to bind my breasts with several Ace bandages, but it greatly inhibited my ability to breath, made me dizzy and light-headed, so I just wore a sports bra instead. I carried a mens wallet, used all my pockets, and left my purse at home.

I think initially I "passed" as a man, but upon further inspection, it was quite obvious that I was not. My fingernails were long, my hair was long, I am really short (for a man) and my facial features are very feminine. Using the women's bathroom was interesting. Women were confused at first. I was slightly worried about it, but as the night went on (and more alcohol was consumed by all), the worry wore off. The man I was "talking to" at the time, was weird-ed out by it. He said I looked like my brother.

While I was amused with the whole thing, I don't think I got to experience what it's like to be a man on this night. For one, it was Halloween, so not your typical night. My "costume" wasn't outrageous and obviously costum-ey, but I think had I done this on any other night, I would have had a different, more authentic, experience. Although, I don't think one day or night would be enough to experience being a different sex. I also think "passing" as a man might run you into some problems with the general public. Women get away with saying or doing things, to which men may get a different reaction. I consider myself to be very much in tune with the different treatment men and women receive, and while I mostly find it to be horseshit, it is interesting to examine. For instance, most bartenders will wait on a man before a women because "men are better tippers."

Do you think you have the balls to dress as a man? What do you think you would learn if you were to participate in this challenge?

Daily Style: Wednesday, 2/6

corduroy dress (Old Navy, hand-me-down, $free)

bow-tie neck blouse (Allen B. @ JCP, $25)

knee-high socks (Betseyville, JCP, $8/2)

maroon lace-up booties (Vince Camuto via Clothes Mentor, $30)

This dress. Sick of it yet? I'm actually surprised; I'm getting there... but not quite.

Sometimes (OK, all the time), I wish I had a way to clone my clothes. You know when you own something that fits you so well- fit, personal style, function, etc. - you want 10 of them in all colors and patterns? I have several items like that. Does that make me lucky? That I have found my clothes-mate (like soul mate) in more than one item? Some people probably go their whole lives without ever finding their clothes-mate. Maybe they should try internet shopping. (Hehe, am I the only one that finds this amusing? Probably.)

I have a semi-solution for this - eBay! I've been doing a lot of shopping on eBay lately. It's sort-of like thrifting, only you can search for specific items and all from the comfort of you home (or office). Recently I've purchased a larger size top to replace an old one that doesn't fit anymore, a jacket that was sold out on JCP.com and in JCP stores, and a 2nd pair of jeans in a lighter wash than the perfect ones I recently bought at a resale shop. 

(SHAMELESS SELF-PLUG)

I'm currently selling a bunch of clothes that no longer fit on eBay. Check my Shop page if you're interested. I'm adding new stuff all the time, so check back if you don't see anything that piques your interest. I sell mostly clothes, but I'm starting to sell some shoes. No accessories at this time.

Daily Style: Tuesday, 10/23

floral top (H&M via Clothes Mentor, $4)
black accordion skirt (Liz Claiborne @ JCP, $30)
blush pumps (Simply Vera by Vera Wang @ Kohl's, $49)

Can I get a show of hands for all those that think a bra is top 5 most uncomfortable shit women wear on the regular? (Pantyhose are vying for position #1.)

I think all men, everywhere, should have to wear one for a day, just one day, to understand the scope of pain we women have to deal with, on a daily basis. It will become quite clear why is it the first thing that gets removed once stepping foot into our homes.

Daily Style: Tuesday, 6/26

olive skirt (c/o eShakti) 

green top (Worthington @ JCP) 

brown platform wedge pumps (Jessica Simpson via Clothes Mentor, $20) 

brown button belt (thrifted, $2)

This morning (for real, this time) I heard about the Women's Tennis Association's desire to eliminate, or at least, lessen, the amount and decibel of grunting on the court.... WHAT THE?!  Apparently it's upsetting to the fans.  This makes my brain hurt.  These women are playing a sport, that is pretty darn difficult, if they want need to grunt here and there in excess, who are you to tell them it's distracting?!  THEY are the people that need to focus to play a game, NOT the fans that are watching said game.  

You know what really gets my goat?!  I didn't hear about plans to use a "grunt-o-meter" during Men's tennis matches.  I smell a double-standard...

Daily Style: Tuesday, 5/22

grey pants (H&M, $15)

sleeveless button-down (Worthington @ JCP)

brown blazer (Worthington @ JCP, $12) 

brown belt (MNG by Mango @ JCP)

brown platform wedge pumps (Jessica Simpson via Clothes Mentor, $20)

For some reason a button-down (or, oxford shirt, as you may call it) and a blazer makes me feel ultra office-y.  The glasses only add to the feeling.  I'm glad to be out of jeans this week and back to business casual attire.  The NATO Summit is over and everything is back to business-as-usual in downtown Chi.

Daily Style: Tuesday, 4/24

black skirt (east5th @ JCP, $15) 

silk top (Rebecca Taylor via Clothes Mentor, $8)

blue cardi (Ralph Lauren via hand-me-down, $free)

black studded pumps ("Fearless", Shoedazzle, $40)

open work tights (Kmart, $gift), ceramic watch (Fossil via TJ Maxx, $29)

I've mentioned Dance Moms previously (I hate-watch it), now there's Dance Moms Miami.  I actually sort-of enjoy this one.  The dancers are better, the choreography is better, and the instructors are much better (they actually dance!).  The one instructor, Angel, says some funny sh*t, for example "This week the Moms have been acting sweeter and nicer to each other.  They probably had a special on alcohol or any drug items..." and "If all of those Moms could dance as well as they argue, then we'd all be rich!"  His inflection and facial expressions just make these statements all the better.  I find myself LOLing during Dance Moms Miami.  Strange, I know.

Daily Style: Wednesday, 3/28

black pencil skirt (Banana Republic via Clothes Mentor, $15)  

print top (UK Style by French Connection @ Sears, $19)

gold booties (Seychelles via Amazon.com, $41)

gold filigree necklace (thrifted, $3)

This weather is sorta getting on my nerves.  (OK, more like really.)  One day it's cold (Monday), the next day it's warm (Tuesday), the next day they say it will be warm and then it turns out to be cold (Wednesday).  Tuesday night I walked my dog in a winter jacket.  Bad move, it felt like summer.  Wednesday I heard it would get up to 68° so I went sans tights.  Bad move, my legs were freezing on my walk home.  I don't mind if it's cold, but this bi-polar crap has got to stop!  It's incredibly difficult to plan your outfits when you have no idea if it will feel like summer or winter the next day.

Daily Style: Wednesday, 3/7

black/white skirt (H&M, $15)

chartreuse ruffle top (Worthington @ JCP, $9)

cropped blazer (Mossimo @ Target via Clothes Mentor)

lace tights (Target)

"Dempsey" boots (DV by Dolce Vita via Akira, $45)

This look was inspired by "Emma" on The Lying Game:

via

...and here's another reason to watch The Lying Game:

I need help, y'all.  Meggy @ Chasing Davies looks so amazing in this neon dress from Old Navy, she's making me want to buy it.  What say you?  Should I do it?

Daily Style: Tuesday, 3/6

green dress (Mossimo @ Target, $18)

red wool blazer (Evan Picone, thrifted, $2)

black booties (Dollhouse, Clothes Mentor, $15)

nude open work tights (Kmart, $13)

So, I'm all moved!  I've got a few boxes left to unpack, but should have everything completed by next weekend.  Then I  will show you my dressing area, complete with a wall of shoes.  (!)

Speaking of shoes, while unpacking I found this question mark on my boot.  ? indeed.

Daily Style: Thursday, 2/9

purple skirt (Worthington @ JCP, $15)

black/white stripe silk blouse (Ralph Lauren, Clothes Mentor, $8)

black booties (Big Buddha "Donna" via Bakers) 

turquoise necklace (Rossace, $40)

Inspiration:

J. Crew - Skirt: $110, Blouse: $118, Necklace: $98

I find so much inspiration from the J. Crew catalog I'm thinking maybe I need to change the name of my blog to something like, "J. Crew Style on a JCP Budget"... eh... maybe not.

Daily Style: Wednesday, 1/11

black cigarette pants (Gap Outlet, $30)

multi-colored tank (LOFT via Clothes Mentor, $8)

teal velvet blazer (Bloomingdale's, thrifted, $5)

pink pumps (Madden Girl "Sursey" via Plato's Closet, $12)

chainmaille necklace (made by me)

As you may remember, I take ballet.  I would like to present you with "Piper Alexander's Rules in Dancewear"  (This is mainly for the entertainment of those with which I take class.) -

1. Stick w/black and pink only.  You may enjoy florescent yellow, but it doesn't belong in a dance studio.
2. If you're well-endowed, wear a sports bra, in black.  If you're small-chested, you probably don't need a bra, as long as you're wearing a lined leotard.  If you feel you need something, make sure it's active-wear and again, stick with black.  Nude is fine, as long as it's not peeking out.  This is not the time to show off your pink and green polka-dotted PINK by VS bra.
3. Skirts belong at your actual waist, not slung low on your hips.  If you need help finding your waist, it's usually the smallest part of your mid-section, near your belly-button.  You know, where old people wear their pants.
4. If you're over 11 years old, get some split-sole shoes.  Trust me on this one.
5. On the topic of shoes, for Pete's sake, tuck in your laces!  Better yet, get these and you won't have to worry about it.
6. Tights over the leotard only work with black tights and you should have something on over the tights (skirt, shorts, etc.).  The crotch (a/k/a "gusset") of your tights does not need to be seen.

I think that about covers it.  Ballet Peeps, any additions?

(BTW, welcome to my new followers, and thanks to everyone for reading!)

Daily Style: Tuesday, 1/10

black/white skirt (H&M, $15 w/coupon)

black tank (Worthington @ JCP, $7 after coupon)

yellow top (nicole by Nicole Miller @ JCP, $26)

maroon lace-up booties (Vince Camuto via Clothes Mentor, $30)

maroon tights (Simply Vera by Vera Wang @ Kohl's),  ceramic watch (Fossil via TJ Maxx, $29), "Gatsby" bracelet (JewelMint, $12)

This look is loosely inspired by a costume in the San Francisco Ballet's Little Mermaid.

Long black dress on the Right w/yellow, red, and pink stripes

You know the worst part about winter?  It's not the cold.  It's not the snow.  It's not that there's nothing good on TV...  It's the static cling.  It seems no matter how much Static Guard I use, my clothes still cling to my body, to other clothes I'm wearing, and crackle as I move them.  Why can't we come up with a product to get rid of static cling?  We can put a man on the moon, but we still have to deal with static-y clothes all winter long?

Today I'm able to participate in this month's Everybody, Everywear - Black+White challenge.  (It's a suprise to me, too.)  I'm not sure if I've mentioned this, but I love, love, love black+white and I'm excited to seeing what everybody else brings to the table.

Daily Style: Thursday, 1/5

camel pants (Worthington @ JCP, $11)
red tank (Express via Clothes Mentor, $8)
plaid blazer (Dani Max, thrifted, $1.75)
gold booties (Seychelles via Amazon.com, $41)

There's still 3 days left to enter my DIY Giveaway!  + 4 ways to enter!

Daily Style: Friday, 12/23

bootcut jeans (Calvin Klein via Clothes Mentor)

red ruffle top (Bisou Bisou @ JCP)

cream/blue blazer (Talbots, thrifted, $4)

blue patent pumps (City Streets @ JCP, $25)

red ring (Colors by John Clayborn, $12)

Today I read this interview with Nicolette Mason.  I appreciate that Marie Claire is dedicating a whole column (out of the how many columns a month?) to plus-sized fashion and that Nicolette Mason "made it pretty clear" that she's "absolutely not interested in being the voice of any kind of body-shaming".  However, I did get irritated at this -

{NM} It's funny, I have no qualms forking over cash for big-ticket accessories, but I think full-figured women have kind of been conditioned to buy inexpensive clothes.

They really have. I think of it as connected to diet culture: If you're thinking of your current body as a temporary thing, why spend money on clothing it? The idea that only a slender body is worth investing in and treating well is problematic for lots of reasons, obviously.

{NM} I think part of it can be attributed to diet culture, but I think the majority of it is that for most women (especially in more remote parts of the US), the only options for them to buy clothes tend to be at big-box stores like KMart and Wal-Mart. It's hard to make the jump to buying investment pieces if you're used to spending $20 on a dress.

And then the other reason, in my opinion, is that the only place where full-figured women can consistently participate in mainstream, designer fashion is in the accessories department!

 Truth. That's an excellent point about the limited resources. It IS difficult to reconcile spending $300 on a shirt when you've never spent more than $50.

{NM} Exactly. I think there's a major learning curve (really in the entire US market, but especially in niche markets like plus size fashion) in buying quality, long-lasting pieces. The American spending ethos is generally to buy the most that you can (and more) for the least amount of money.

Um... I think you're forgetting another HUGE reason!  That maybe, just maybe, these women you speak of cannot AFFORD to spend $300 on a shirt!

There are studies showing thinner women make more money than their heavier counterparts (an average of $22,000 a year more according to this article).  Given that, I think this is a MAJOR contributing factor that plus-sized women are not spending a ton of money on their clothes.

It really annoys me when I read shit like this.  Are there really people out there so unaware that money is not freely flowing from everyone's pockets?!  That spending $300 on a shirt is not a choice for some?!

Daily Style: Monday, 12/19

green tie-neck blouse (east5th @ JCP, $12)

tweed jacket (LOFT via Clothes Mentor, $20)

high-waisted jeans (H&M, $40)

brown boots (H&M, $40)

brown belt (Mixit @ JCP $14)

I went thrifting on Saturday and got so much stuff!  (2 huge bags full)  I was carrying around so much stuff, my arm is still sore.  (Maybe I'm just really out of shape?)  I can't wait to show it all off.  Plus, there's still the stuff to show off from my last trip, that I just got back from the dry cleaner.  I'm really getting the hang of this thrifting business.  I even picked up a few gifts!

Daily Style: Friday, 12/16 & New Page Announcement

black cropped pants (Gap Outlet, $30)
black knit top (swapped, $free)
beige short-sleeved sweater (Banana Republic via Clothes Mentor)
black booties (Big Buddha "Donna" via Bakers)

Do you like my sweater?  It's now for sale in my new Shop page.  I will be adding more items very slowly.  This is something I've been thinking of doing for awhile now, so I hope it works out.  I have a bad habit of buying clothes, wearing them once, if ever, and then realizing I probably shouldn't have bought them in the first place.  This sweater is one of those pieces.  It's very nice, but I can't seem to make it work on my body and with the other items I own.  Hopefully, it will find a good home elsewhere.

Daily Style: Tuesday, 12/6

grey pants (H&M, $15)

grey wrap sweater (Daisy Fuentes via Clothes Mentor)

white tee ($free via clothing swap)

sparkle loafers (DV by Dolce Vita via Endless.com, $52)

silver spoon ring (flea market find), multi-chain necklace (Eda & Betty Heirloom Couture, $100)

Today I'm participating in another Fashion Challenge brought to you by Megan Mae Daily & Casual Chic Kiki.  Click here for a list of more participants.  Feel free to jump in at any time this week.  There's still Wednesday through Saturday for you to join in on the fun!

There's still time to enter my giveaway!  Entries will be accepted through this Sunday, 12/11.