Daily Style: Thursday, 3/28

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

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

black patent pumps (Steve Madden Luxe, thrifted, $6)

Pinspired.

You've probably noticed a lack of posts from me lately. There's many reasons for this, weight gain being one (ugh, yes, again... listen, I'm just as sick of talking about it as you are of hearing about it), and also a lack of motivation and direction. I don't want to whine and be all, woe is me (commence whining in 10, 9, 8...) buuuuut, sometimes I feel like I'm talking to myself.

So, why do I blog?

I initially started this blog because I wanted to show others that one doesn't need a lot of money or the "perfect" bod to be fashionable. That still holds true. I feel like if I can just inspire more confidence in 1 person, than this is all for something. If I can help 1 woman feel better about her body, it's worth it. 

My weight/size has fluctuated since age 17. During a period of time where I was the size I am now, I looked a mess. I was unhappy with my body, didn't know how to dress my body, and so I wore big, frumpy clothes to cover up. I wore very little makeup and did nothing with my hair. (Please know, I'm not demoralizing this, but for me it was directly related to how I felt about myself and further, directly impacted how I felt about myself.) True, everyone has different style periods (or lack, thereof, in this example), and everyone learns and grows from going through those periods, but if I could have gotten out of that funk sooner...

The reason I got down with style blogs, and then started my own, is because the fashion world is lousy with waif-like 19-year-olds, wearing high-end couture, and that doesn't have any place in MY life. (It IS all about me, you know.) I wanted to see women that looked me, wearing clothes I could potentially buy. (Like, now, not after saving up a years' worth of pay.) I have to admit, I'm a little perturbed at what blogging has become, which is just a different domain for the same-old, same-old, but I guess that's why it's even more important to have more of "us" out there, keeping it real and shit. So, to sum up (I know y'all got places to be), I just talked myself into sticking with it. 

Why do you blog? Tell me in the comments. (I'm not begging, really!)

Daily Style: Tuesday, 3/12

black/grey cow print sweater (Nina Leonard, thrifted, $1.50)

olive skirt (c/o eShakti) 

leopard belt (Merona @ Target, $17) 

black boots (Steve Madden via eBay, $46)

I think I'm so clever, mixing animal prints. 

Truth be told, the splotches on this sweater reminded me of my pup, which, in addition to the $1.50 price tag, is mostly the reason I bought it. Here's a pic of my pup, wearing headphones. Just 'cause.

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: Tuesday, 3/5

black pants (Gap, eBay, $5) 

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

red faux leather strap top (Bisou Bisou @ JCP)

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

I've been gravitating towards pointy heels and ankle straps lately, so when I saw these, I just about died. (Or at least, I'm pretty sure I made an awkward this-chick-gets-way-too-excited-about-shoes noise. Something like "ooooooooooh! yeahhhhhh! yes, please!") 

I dunno, they look super classy and sexy to me. Hey, I'll try anything at this point.

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: 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: Tuesday, 2/12

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

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

boots (Big Buddha "Lana" via Amazon.com, $80)

 Inspired by this pin.

I have a question. WTF is with these jeans?

These are from the Margiela for H&M line that I somehow completely missed. They look like oversized jeans pinned at the waist so they don't fall down. Does anyone else think that sometimes the shit designers come up with is so freakin' ridiculous and just-plain-ugly, and the only reason people are buying it and wearing it, is because it's "designer" and they think that automatically makes it stylish?

Seriously.

WTF is with these jeans?!

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: Saturday, 1/26

peplum dress (Love Reign @ JCP, $25)

plaid patch jacket (thrifted, $7)

leopard scarf (JCP, $15)

nude open work tights (Kmart, $13), knee-high socks (Betseyville, JCP, $8/2)

brown boots (Steve Madden via Amazon.com, $80)

I would like to make a plea to all bloggers. (And anyone else to which this may apply...) Please, please, pretty please remove CAPTCHA from your comment system. Why? For starters, it's crazy ANNOYING! Also, half the time I can't make out what I'm supposed to type. I saw a post once wherein the author stated CAPTCHA showed her a handicap symbol. How do you type a handicap symbol?! Maybe my computer is defective, but I don't have that button on my keyboard. In addition to it being incredibly annoying, CAPTCHA takes an extra effort that sometimes I don't feel like putting forth. Call me lazy, if you must, but my opinion is that in order to receive the maximum amount of comments, one should make commenting require a minimum amount of effort. I feel it's more inviting when I don't need to prove that I'm not a spam-bot. 'Cause, like, I'm totally not. Obvie.

(FYI - If you're using the Blogger comment system, there is a spam filter in place. There is a section to check the comments flagged as spam, just in case they're not. But they always are.)

K, thanks.

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, 12/12/12

pink sweater (Savers, thrifted, $7)

blue/white stripe skirt (MNG by Mango @ JCP, $9)

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

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

 One of my guilty pleasures is reading the advice column on Slate, Dear Prudence. There is always, at least one question a week that addresses some drama related to Facebook. I have to tell you, I got off Facebook, personally, some time ago, and I couldn't be happier. I went off Facebook for a myriad of reasons, but one of them was how impersonal it is. People no longer need to make an effort to stay in touch with their friends and family, they just post ALL their personal information on Facebook, and all their friends and family can just "follow" along, knowing every detail of their lives, without actually contacting one another. Like a celebrity! Or a stalker! No thanks. You can reach me by email, or phone, but I will not be following your every move on Facebook, pretending we actually have a real relationship.

Daily Style: Wednesday, 11/28

 plaid skirt (thrifted, $4)

 tiered striped top (Apostrophe @ Sears, $19)

black/white scarf (estate sale, $0.50)

black tights (American Apparel, $15)

black booties (Big Buddha "Donna" via Bakers)

This was inspired by this pin.

I've been a bit bummed lately, without any Televinspiration. This time of year sucks for TV. One show that I've gotten into recently, and has surprisingly given me some fashion inspiration, is Emily Owens, M.D. No, I haven't taken to wearing scrubs, it's what Emily Owens wears before and after work that give me inspiration. She's got this cool, casual, comfortable look. Perfect for this time of year when you just want to curl up in a big blanket & call it a sweater, and call that a "look". Unfortunately, it's been canceled. Man, I can't wait until after the new year, when all the shows start back up again.

Daily Style: Thursday, 8/16

flower print tank (Trina Turk, thrifted, $3)

pleated skirt (MNG by Mango @ JCP, $28)

grey cardi (Gap Outlet)

orange pumps (Call It Spring via JCP, $40)

This top was contemplated about for longer than necessary. At the end of the day, the decision was made based on the low price of $3. I've since worn it twice, coming out to $1.50 per wear. 

It's funny how our standards change whilst thrifting. I went recently and found an Ann Taylor dress. It didn't fit that well on top of my dress, so I wasn't sure if it would fit better alone, with hose, etc., but since it was a massive $11, I left it. Anywhere else $11 would be a steal for an Ann Taylor dress, but instead it felt like a rip-off. It would have been mine for $3, ill-fit and all.

Daily Style: Friday, 7/13

printed pants (Express, thrifted, $3.50)

tank (Mossimo @ Target, $5)

ruffle sandals (Corso Como via Marshall's, $40)

necklace (LOFT, $gift)

The perfect outfit for heat, drama, and a 3.5 hour drive to Champaign, IL.

Don't get me started...

Daily Style: Wednesday, 7/4

striped top (PayHalf, $12) 

black shorts (nicole by Nicole Miller @ JCP, $20) 

black patent pumps (Steve Madden Luxe, thrifted, $6)

leopard belt (Merona @ Target, $17)

large stone ring (John Clayborn via Shecky's, $45), silver spoon ring (flea market find)

Happy 4th, bitches!

I'm going to try something new here and share some links that I found interesting this week.  Feel free to tell me if you absolutely hate this idea, or find it a fun change.  (Seriously, I love feedback!  And my feelings will only be hurt a little.)

Slate.com - Why Willow Smith's Video is Unnerving

Cracked.com - Fat is Officially Incurable (According to Science)

Stamp Tramps - Peanut Britta Cup?

Jezebel.com - Dating Sites Encourage Men to be Interesting, Women to be Doormats

Be In Style - Cost Per Use by Thrifted Shift

Black Girl Dangerous - From One Skinny Girl to Others: A Few Words on Fat Phobia

WTF, Pinterest? (trust me, you'll LOL)

Daily Style: Saturday, 6/30

cut-out dress (MNG by Mango @ JCP, $45)

rock, paper, scissors necklace (Monserat De Lucca via Shopbop via Chic on the Cheap Giveaway), bronze bracelet (thrifted, $5), gold ring (MNG by Mango @ JCP, $15), bowtie ring (F21, $4)

glitter booties (Arizona Jeans, JCP, $35)

I've been a bad blogger lately.  For that, I'm sorry.  Chicago is having a heat wave of epic proportions.  I've officially given up on wearing foundation  The second I step outside, it starts dripping off of my face.  It's incredibly difficult to give any shits about what you're wearing when you would prefer to not wear anything at all.  Whine....

(Speaking of whining, there should be a font that signifies whining.  Speaking of fonts, there should also be a font that signifies sarcasm.  Per my Mommy, it should be dripping.)

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: Monday, 6/25

grey pants (H&M, $15)

lavender shell (thrifted, $3)

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

"Renegade" necklace (JewelMint, $30)

I woke up yesterday morning  afternoon to find this comment from Mary Lindsey from a post I wrote in December 2011, and it pretty much made my day.

Let's try to make Mary's day and give her new blog some love.

Daily Style: Thursday, 5/24

floral skirt (Inc., thrifted, $4)

white tee ($free via clothing swap)

orange pumps (Call It Spring via JCP, $40)

brown belt (MNG by Mango @ JCP), gold filigree necklace (thrifted, $3), bracelets (G-Ma's, $free)

 I'm pretty sure summer is in full-swing now.  You know how I know?  The forecasted temp is 90° F for today and tomorrow.  Also, a shit-ton of fruit flies have made my home theirs.  And they are NOT paying rent.  I've set up 3 traps and I still can't get rid of the f**kers.  These mothers are breeding faster than I can kill them!  I've poured bleach down all my drains.  I've hunted them down and killed them with my bare hands.  I think they're conspiring to slowly drive me mad...

Daily Style: Friday, 5/11

red shell (thrifted, $3)

jeggings (Gap Outlet, $40)

black faux leather jacket (Allen B. @ JCP, $20)

scarf (thrifted, $2.25)

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

This is an outfit I typically wear (or, in this case, have worn) to a show. I don't normally do repeats, but I will admit I wore this to Gotye.  I will probably wear something very similar to Active Child.  Please give this a listen.  This song is ahh-mazing to me.  The video, however, is not so amazing.