Daily Style: Wednesday, 4/3

print top (iJeans by Buffalo @ JCP)

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

faux leather skirt (Worthington @ JCP, $25)

blue open-work tights (KMart)

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

Open-work tights never cease to amaze me. They have proven to be comfortable and now, resilient. I tripped on my own feet the other day while walking the Beast, landed on my leg and was SURE I ruined my tights, but not a scratch on them! My leg, on the other hand, is a different story.

My Mom told me a story from my childhood that pretty much sums up my reaction. I was probably in 1st grade and while playing on the playground at school, I fell. The teacher rushed over and asked if I was OK. The only thing I complained of was that I had ruined my tights. Makes sense, I mean, my skin will heal, but now I have to buy new tights!

Daily Style: Wednesday, 3/6

peplum skirt (MNG by Mango @ JCP, $35)

mock turtleneck knit top (Eddie Bauer, thrifted, $1.75)

necklace (Alexis Bittar, $gift)

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

I understand we're way past NYFW, and I already stated how many fucks I give (it was 0, BTW), but I just wanted to mention that in the coverage, I didn't ever see anyone over a size 6 and older than 27. 

Here's what I'm wondering - do these people exist at NYFW and just aren't photographed (like, ever)? Or are we a completely forgotten group? 

This is my beef with the fashion industry. It seems that after a certain age and weight, fashion doesn't apply to you. You aren't worthy of representation in the fashion world. You don't deserve it.

This may have something to do with my given fucks. (See above, still 0.) Why would I have interest in something that appears to actively exclude me?

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: Wednesday, 2/27

plaid dress (Liz Claiborne, thrifted, $6)

mock turtleneck knit top (Eddie Bauer, thrifted, $1.75)

black leather booties (Steve Madden via Filene's Basement, $45)

Remember  when we talked about fit? This dress does not fit, but I was determined to make it work. (Or, I ran out of time in the morning, so fuck it.) Funny thing though, I got a lot of compliments on it. I heard it was someone's favorite thing they'd ever seen me wear. Either my other clothes suck or fit isn't as important as we all thought it was, yeah?

Daily Style: Monday, 2/11

black/white print wrap top (Ann Taylor, thrifted, $2.50)

jersey pencil skirt (Old Navy, $20)

white tank (Discovery, $5)

 black booties (Saks Fifth Avenue, thrifted, $3)

Dream Factory necklace (HouseofTenderBeasts, Etsy, $gift)

 

As I'm sure you've heard, the Boy Scouts have a "gay ban", which prohibits homosexuals from joining the organization, be it as a member or a leader. (While typing this post, I discovered they prohibit agnostics and atheists, as well.) Recently there's been talk of the ban being lifted, but here's what I don't get: Why would you want entry into an organization that, at this point, is known for their hatred of your "kind"?

It seems to me, considering the Boy Scouts' are experiencing low recruitment, that that is probably more likely the reason that the ban would be lifted, NOT because they've come to some epiphany that their principals are out-dated and discriminatory. It seems to me as if they would be allowing gays begrudgingly.

Unfortunately, there doesn't seem to be a comparable organization for boys to learn the things they would through the Boy Scouts. Hopefully, I'm wrong, the ban will be lifted and the Boy Scouts can join the rest of us in the 21st century.

Daily Style: Monday, 2/4

jersey pencil skirt (Old Navy, $20)

sheer black shirt (Allen B. @ JCP, $25)

spike necklace (PayHalf, $7) 

chrome belt (Kenneth Cole via PayHalf, $12)

studded wedges (Deena & Ozzy, UO, $28) 

This was an outfit conceived entirely in my mind, and surprisingly, it worked out! I think about outfit combinations at the most random moments. I actually keep a text file in my phone called "Outfit Ideas" where I type up possibilities when they come to me. Is this weird? I have a feeling when strangers are witness to this, they would agree it is.

Daily Style: Tuesday, 1/22

faux leather skirt (Worthington @ JCP, $25)

pink sweater (Savers, thrifted, $7)
Dollhouse pumps (Dollhouse.com)

I'm wearing my belt in 'Stacy London' fashion - backwards. I really like this option when I want a cleaner look from the front. I just needed to accentuate my waist, but I didn't want the look of a belt buckle. 

I like What Not to Wear, but sometimes I feel like they take away a person's individuality. Some of their rules are a bit narrow. Did anyone see the episode with Tiffany (80's mall superstar)? She was very into the 1970's looks - bell-bottoms, loose, flowy tops, etc. Of course, the bell-bottoms (or you might call them, flares) were not acceptable. This, I truly do not understand. I believe a flare leg pant/jean is extremely flattering on a curvy body. The volume at the bottom of the leg balances out the volume elsewhere. Anyway, my other gripes about WNTW - Carmindy. Her makeup is boring, I don't like her application process (and if you ask a MU Artist, they will agree), and she's got a few narrow rules of her own. Like contouring is too harsh for day. Listen lady, I contour everyday and I've never been described as "harsh"... well, my personality? Yes. But my face? Never!

Daily Style: Wednesday, 1/16

mod print dress (J. Taylor @ JCP, $35)

chambray shirt (Converse One Star @ Target, $12)

black belt (a.n.a. @ JCP, $18)

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

Fashion is Evolution recently did a series of posts touring her home. I was inspired, and wanted to show y'all my little desk area, from which I blog, cause I'm proud of it... and it's my blog, I can do what I want.

Complete with glass of wine... cause I like to drink whilst blogging.

The desk is a family piece, handed down from my Mommy. It's vintage birdseye maple from the 1920's (or so I'm told). The laptop was a hand-me-down from the BF. You do not want to see what I had previously. It was a brick. The monitor is also from the BF. (I benefit from his hatred of PCs.) You will notice the red stapler, as Office Space is one of my favorite movies. The chair is a Craigslist purchase - $20 - it's mid-century. Speaking of mid-century, the radio is from an estate sale - also $20. It was half-off the second day, because at that point they just don't want to have anything left. It still works! The filing cabinet (also mid-century) is another CL purchase. A pricier piece at $45, but it was currently the only piece I could find that fit the space and my aesthetics. Finally, the art on the left is a DIY, seen here, and the other two were gifts. They are from Etsy from a shop called When Pigs Fly.

What do you think? Would you be interested in seeing more of my home?

Daily Style: Tuesday, 1/15

black/white tie-neck blouse (east5th @ JCP, $15)

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

black leather booties (Steve Madden via Filene's Basement, $45)

This was inspired by this pin.

I love this dress, but I don't wear it enough. You may remember the last time I wore it, I paired it with brown, to match the buttons. I felt the buttons were limiting my options, so I swapped them out. I replaced the brown leather-like buttons with white/clear. This way I could wear it with brown or black, gold or silver. I hope I made the right decision, but if not, I will just spend another $2.50 or so and get a different set of buttons. This is an easy way to change the look of a piece of clothing... as long as it has buttons.

 

Daily Style: Tuesday, 11/20

jersey pencil skirt (Old Navy, $20)

white tank (a.n.a. @ JCP, $8)

stripe sweater (Nicole by Nicole Miller @ JCP, $25)

black belt (MNG by Mango @ JCP, $15)  

ceramic watch (Fossil via TJ Maxx, $39)

black fishnets (Simply Vera by Vera Wang @ Kohl's)

zipper booties (Dollhouse via Marshalls, $25)

I want to rant discuss the (unspoken) rules of the CTA, because it's my blog, and I can.

- You should start moving towards the doors when the train is pulling into your stop, or when it is near your stop, NOT when the doors are open at the stop before yours. If you do this, everyone will assume the current stop is your stop, and act accordingly. Therefore, if I'm behind you, and this is MY stop, I will assume you are going to exit the doors, NOT stop moving right before the exit, impeding me from getting off on my stop. I will then panic because I don't want to miss my stop.

- If you are sitting on the inside and need to get out, and the person next to you is wearing headphones, and their eyes are closed, DO lightly tap them on the shoulder to get their attention and signal you need to get out. DO NOT repeat the same statement over and over, when it should be clear they can't hear you, as they're wearing GIGANTIC HEADPHONES. Also, DO NOT waive your hand frantically in front of their face. The previous was slightly stupid, this is just plain rude.

- When exiting the CTA station on the escalator, if space allows, STAND on the right, WALK on the  left.

- For Pete's sake, when you get in the train car, MOVE! There are, most-likely, several other bodies behind you. We all need to get in; move with a purpose. If you want to stand, that's fine, but I see 1 seat available, and you're making it very difficult for me to win it. I don't want to push, but I will, if it means I can land a seat, and nap on my way home.

 - As the conductor has stated, several times now, move to the middle of the car.

If there's any rules I missed, let me know in the comments. Happy transitting!

Daily Style: Tuesday, 10/30

purple dress (Gap Outlet, $40)

grey/silver blazer (H&M, $24)  

chrome belt (Kenneth Cole via PayHalf, $12)

tie-dye tights (JCP, $8)

I bought these tights as a throwback to my tie-dye wearing days, but then I got them and was clueless about how to style them. I almost wish they were crazy-bright tie-dye colors... which gives me the idea to just tie-dye my own damn tights. I smell a DIY...

(OK, someone already did this (obvi), and she also made a sweater (!))

Daily Style: Thursday, 8/23

peplum top (Worthington @ JCP, $8)

denim pencil skirt (Bisou Bisou @ JCP, $25)

"Bailey" green pumps (Worthington @ JCP, $35)

necklace (Target)

I rarely never do this, but I'm gonna get personal. I haven't been posting as many outfits for numerous reasons, but one of them is weight gain. Lately I've noticed I'm gaining weight at a rapid speed. I'm trying to accept it, and appreciate the way my body is now, but beyond the fact that a good amount of my clothes don't fit, it's hard to get over the stigma attached to it. You know the one. The feelings of failure, guilt, that you appear to be lazy, gluttonous, undisciplined, unhealthy, etc.

I don't believe in diets and I don't believe in working out to the point of vomiting. I believe in HAES. I believe in finding ways to move your body that are enjoyable for you. That is why I dance. I take ballet class an average of 3 times a week. I try to get my fair share of fruits/veggies/whole grains. I also love cheese and butter and bread and I would be unhappy without those things. I believe there should be a good balance of healthy and happy. I believe your mental health is more important than how many miles you can run on a treadmill. I believe how you feel inside and how you treat others is more important than how much you can bench. I believe your character is more important than your six pack (or lack thereof). These are some of my mantras. But...

In this society, it's extremely difficult to combat the feeling of worth based on weight. We praise the thin and degrade anyone larger than a size 8. We applaud the overweight* for taking on the lifestyle of an Anorexic. We have "Thinspo" Pinterest boards. We use the ever-popular "health concern" excuse in order to fat-hate on our loved ones and strangers.

I've put a lot of hard work into getting where I am with body/self-acceptance, and I've hit a lot of hurdles on the way. Mostly in the way of friends/SOs/etc. I suppose my work is never done. I suppose this is yet another hurdle.

*I hate this term (over what weight?) but I can't think of anything less insulting. 

(NOTE: I usually have a free-for-all mentality in the comment section, but due to the subject at hand, any comment that is found to be insulting to myself or my readers will be removed.)

Daily Style: Tuesday, 7/31

denim pencil skirt (Bisou Bisou @ JCP, $25)

black tank (H&M, $5)

sheer floral jacket (Xhilaration @ Target, $18)

teal heels (Just Fabulous, $40)

red coral necklace (Mimi's The Look, $18 w/Groupon), black stone ring (MNG by Mango @ JCP, $15)

Here's another way I wore this shear jacket, that I never got to show you.

This also might be a decent Lollapalooza get-up.

Anyone going to Lolla this year? I went a few years back, and that was the point at which I realized I am an old lady. It was too hot, the booze line was too long, my red wine was spilling all over the place as I tried to walk from one stage to the next (who orders red wine at a concert? ↑ this girl!)... I watched one band, then said f**k this, went home, ordered Chinese, and sat in the air conditioning. I used to enjoy outdoor concerts - Further Fest, Ozzfest, really anything at Alpine Valley... not anymore. Yep, I'm old. I've embraced it. Pretty soon I will be spending my Saturday nights watching Lawrence Welk with my TV dinner and turning in around 8 PM.

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: Monday, 3/26

plaid wool skirt (Otterburn Tweed, thrifted, $2.50)

cream dolman sleeved top (MNG by Mango @ JCP) 

olive green oxford pumps (a.n.a. @ JCP, $23)

nude open work tights (Kmart, $13)

It got cold again in Chicago, if only for a day, so I thought I would let this wool skirt out to play for possibly one last time (until winter rears it's ugly head again).

Yesterday I read about the Vogue article written by the mother who put her 7 year old daughter on a diet.  (She's writing a book too!  Ugh.)  I have not read the actual article, but this link has several excerpts.  It sounds awful.  I've read some comments from people that have read the article (here) that the girl was getting teased at school prior to her forced diet, and now she's not.  On top of all my other feelings about this (mostly to do with the body image issues this kid will most-likely have), I just think this is a terrible thing to teach children.  Instead of teaching them to be strong against bullies and not let it affect them, let's teach them to change themselves so the bullies won't have anything to pick on.  As if that's ever worked!  Bullies will pick on anything.  Plus, people should change themselves for themselves, not for someone else, certainly not a bully. 

Did you read the article?  What are your thoughts on the subject?

Daily Style: Thursday, 1/26

 plaid wool skirt (Otterburn Tweed, thrifted, $2.50)

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

olive green oxford pumps (a.n.a. @ JCP, $23)

nude hose (L'eggs via Target, 2/$7.50)

I have to tell someone about my new found love for VAST.  The lead singer, Jon Crosby is like a current, non-dead, version of Jim Morrison (my first love).  Come to find out, The Doors is one of his influences.  Go figure.  Also says here, he's currently single...

Daily Style: Thursday, 1/19

black/white striped origami pencil skirt (Worthington @ JCP, $7)

black poly blouse (thrifted, $4)

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

zipper booties (Dollhouse via Marshalls, $25)

black hose (L'eggs via Walgreens, $5)

I this skirt.  I'm almost glad I gained some weight since I bought it and now it fits properly.  I said almost.

Have y'all seen Last Man Standing?  Tim Allen's character is similar to his Tim "The Tool Man" Taylor on Home Improvement minus the goofy/awkward/accidents... OK, they are similar in that he's a "man's man"... whatever that means.  The show is set up similarly too.  A mother & father & 3 kids - Home Improvement was 3 boys, Last Man Standing is 3 girls.  This show's "Jill" (wife) is played by Nancy Travis ('member her from So I Married an Axe Murderer?), who is much funnier (sorry Patricia Richardson).  Anyway, enough name dropping, the show is pretty darn funny.  So, you should check it out.  You can watch full episodes on ABC!  

(Bonus - Since there are 4 women in this show (wife + 3 daughters) there are opportunities to get some inspiration from their fashion.  And I do.)

Daily Style: Thursday, 1/12

black/red houndstooth top (Worthington @ JCP)

gray/black houndstooth skirt (Worthington @ JCP)

red platform lace-up booties (Glaze via GoJane.com, $39)

black hose (L'eggs via Walgreens, $5)