Skirtember #4

Busy, busy weekend at our household!  On Saturday, we were lucky enough to attend TWO weddings.  Friends from church got married in the Chicago suburbs; they had a late morning/early reception wedding, so we were able to leave their reception early, drive back to Milwaukee, and catch our other friends' reception.  It was just perfect the way it worked out!  Our friends from the first wedding are Indian (groom) and Chinese-American (bride), so there were lots of cultural traditions and traditional dress.  (So many gorgeous saris.)  And our friends from the second wedding had a 14 piece band for the reception!  A lovely time was had by all.

Here is my double duty wedding attire...

Shirt:  Clothing swap

Skirt/shoes:  Goodwill

Hair clip (can't see it):  Kohls

How could I pass up on these $5 red pumps from Goodwill?!  I'm not used to wearing high heels though, so these were a challenge to wear throughout the day.  I brought flats to change into for dancing at the second reception!

My Sunday outfit was for church, grocery shopping and a low key lunch at Jordan's parents house.

Everything's a hand-me-down!  I found the boots (which are brown... I didn't realize the camera setting was still in black and white) in the costume bucket at my parent's house.  They could have been my mom's... or maybe my grandma's,  I really don't know.  But they don't seem quite that old.  

Skirtember is done?!  Whaaaaat?

... Or is it???

Skirtember #3

Better late than never!  I had a very late night on Sunday, which made for a sleepy Monday (and... uh... Tuesday, I guess).  I'm still playing catch-up from the weekend!

And what a weekend it was.  First, the weather couldn't make up its mind.  Sometimes, it was cloudy and rainy.  Sometimes, summer-like humidity.  The evenings got very chilly.  My Saturday outfit ended up being too warm, though my Sunday one worked out nicely.  Second, Jordan and I had adventures on Saturday - apple picking, then rushing up to the top of the US Bank building for the last 30 minutes of Doors Open Milwaukee - and I had adventures with a long-time friend on Sunday.  Hurrah for adventuring in dresses!

Dress:  Thrifted

Leggings:  Kohls

Socks:  a gift

Boots:  Merrell from REI

When I occasionally wore this dress to work (with jeans underneath it), one of my students called it my "little kid" dress, so these swings at the apple farm made for an ideal photo location!

Detail of the socks - my secret nerdy socks.

They're a Dalek!

Dress, scarf and tights:  hand-me-downs

Shirt:  Old Navy

Boots:  Target

On Sunday, my oldest friend and I went to the American Players Theater to see "The Importance of Being Earnest".  It's an outdoor theater, so I knew I wanted something cozy to wear.  Also, I wanted to chance to break out this sweater dress!  I like the top more than the bottom, but overall, I think it's pretty good.

Also, dun dun dunnnnn, I'm happy to debut my new hair color!  I'm loving it even more than I thought.

Skirtember #2

I'm back, with two more skirt/dress posts for everyone!  (And there was much rejoicing.)  This week in Wisconsin, temperatures plummeted for a few days.  High 40's, windy, cloudy, bleeecchh.  Luckily, it popped back up into the 60's over the weekend.  Not only did it make playing outside enjoyable, it made it much easier to consider wearing skirts!

On Saturday, I went geocaching with a friend.  It was tempting to wear jeans, considering the amount of outdoor exploring we'd be doing, but it stuck to my guns and tried to pick functional dress wear.

Dress & tights:  hand-me-downs

Jacket:  Forever 21

Boots:  Merrell from REI

Even though the dress and tights look fancy-ish, I didn't mind if they got mucked up, since they're hand-me-downs.

There were parts of this outfit I ended up liking more than I thought - the jacket with the dress, for instance.  It also looked cool if the jacket was buttoned up, which I've never tried before.  I didn't really like the boots and tights with the dress though.  I don't know if it's because I'm not a huge fan of black tights - they often look dowdy or formal - or if the dress hit my legs in a spot where it would look better with flats.  Anyway, this outfit got the job done - we found four geocaches!  Whee!

On Sunday, I went to a Packers party.  Jordan and I don't like watching football, but I thought I could dress in one of the team's colors as support anyway.

Sweater & scarf:  hand-me-downs

Dress:  Goodwill

Leggings:  Forever 21

Shoes:  Target

Does anyone else prefer leggings over tights?  I don't know why I find them much more comfortable.  Maybe it's the thicker fabric?  Anyway, I love these long leggings from Forever 21.  My other pairs are mid-calf and thin, which isn't ideal for most outfits.

Two down, two to go!

Skirtember #1

Last year, I participated in Skirtember on my regular blog space, The Daily Snapshot.  I got all amped up to do it again this year... only I find that no one else seems to be participating.  (Except Bombasine.  Howdy!)  Well, if I make a plan, I like to stick with it, so I'm going to venture on my own skirt/dress adventure throughout the month!

For various reasons, I can't wear skirts or dresses to work, so I made it my goal to wear them on the weekends, though I've already gotten off on a shaky start.  I ended up in jeans all Saturday, even though I had plans to dress up to go out with friends in the evening.  But after a long bike ride late into the day, and an unplanned stop or two (*cough* distillery tour *cough*), I couldn't muster up the energy to go out (sorry Ali!).

I still squeezed in two Skirtember outfits though!

An unintentional shot!

I really was typing a note into my phone, and my husband snapped the picture.

I wore this outfit out for drinks with my husband on Friday night, and then to church on Sunday.  (It was the one I was going to wear if I went out on Saturday.)

It's still a little too hot during the day to wear tights; it's more needed in the evenings.

Dress:  gift from my husband

Tights:  Target

Boots:  hand-me-down

Bracelet:  Amazon

Trying to get a detailed shot of my boots, tights and bracelet...

The bracelet is hard to see, but it's Harry Potter themed!

It has owls, a Snitch and the Deathly Hallows on it.

Details of the dress.

It was a perfect gift from my husband, who works in the cycling industry.

 I wore this more casual outfit on Sunday for hanging out at the house, taking the dog to the dog park, etc.

T-shirt and tank top:  hand-me-downs

Skirt:  Forever 21

Shoes:  Goodwill

Wanna join in Skirtember?  Make a girl feel not so lonely?

Open mouth, insert foot

I remember when I first saw them.

Jordan and I were on our honeymoon in Scotland.  We had some time to kill at a bus station in Edinburgh.  Thankfully, the station was next to a coffee shop, which lent itself perfectly for people-watching, one of our favorite activities.  Jordan and I snorted into our lattes at the fashion-forward girls, in their loose blouses and leggings.

"Don't they know leggings aren't pants?  That they're meant to be worn underneath dresses and skirts?" we whispered to each others.  I would never be so foolish as to make such a ridiculous fashion choice!

Well, laugh it up, me from the past.  Because this summer, I've joined their ranks.

Shirt:  Goodwill

Belt:  H&M

Leggings:  Kohl's

Sandals:  Hand-me-downs

Now, in my defense, this shirt is long enough to cover my butt.  And while this style choice may be six years behind, it's so darn comfy!  I mean, the shirt is like a big, loose night-shirt!  And leggings have so much stretch.

So, my apologies to the girls of Edinburgh.  I'm sorry it's taken me so long to see the light.  (Though I still would never wear a short shirt with leggings!)

Have you ever worn an item of clothing you swore you wouldn't?

Spring Cleaning

Here in the California version of Phenotype: fabulous, we've been getting spring-like weather for several months know.  (Sorry, not trying to brag!)  However, it's only recently that I've been bit by the freshen-up bug that prompts a thorough spring cleaning.  The last several purges have been offered back to the thrift stores that have been so good to me, so this time I offer it to you!

I've got the sizing and content as described on the label, and also a little about how it fits, to give some better sizing estimates.  These days, I'm a *curvy* pear/hourglass, dress size 8-10 and 5'6" tall.  

Cami, M (fits like medium )

Cotton crochet tunic/mini-dress, with awesome belled elbow-length sleeves.  Lined in the body.  Lining stops at upper thigh, crochet hits mid-lower thigh.

AA Studio AA, size 12 (fits like 8-10)

A heavier-weight poly/rayon blend knit, more substantial than jersey tees but not quite ponte.  Side gathers on left with tie (loose in picture).  Incredibly comfy.  Mid-thigh length, came to a few inches above my knees.

George, 4 (fits like 6-8)

I *love* the abstract, brushstroked floral pattern.  Cool notched neckline, self belt.  100% cotton with blended lining.  Fairly fitted bodice, nearly-full-circle skirt, hits just below knee length.

no label, 2 (fits loose on 2-4, fitted on 6-8)

Oh man.  This blazer is SUPER cute.  Light grey wool blend, great belled elbow sleeves.  It made me feel very Victorian with its cropped, fitted form, like a riding jacket.  Would be a great base for a steampunk costume.  Needs a somewhat smaller bust than mine.   

Banana Republic, M (fits like small-medium)

Gauzy lightweight 100% cotton blouse with polka dots of heavier bits woven in.  Hook-and-eye up the front, elastic at [high] waist.  Could use a dye bath, the white is showing its age -- I have a suspicion that the dots won't dye as intensely as the rest, which will be fun.  On a sentimental note, this is the blouse I wore to interview for medical school (aww, so long ago!)

no label (fits like medium) 

Looking closely at this one, I think it's handmade -- and it's essentially reversible to its grey-brown lining, since the seams are contained.  Tunic-minidress on me, hits at upper thigh.

If you're interested in any of these, speak up!  I'll want to work something out for shipping, but am giving away the clothes.  On a related note, there are also several pairs of shoes that I'm purging.  However, since I put more into my shoes and pretty much only get Nice Things, those *are* being listed for sale on eBay (along with some other stuff).  Check it out, if you're so inclined.  I ship anywhere in the US and will be happy to toss in some of these garments too!



Anyone else cleaning out the closet these days? Any buried treasures? I-Can't-Believe-I-Ever-Wore-That embarrassments?  Spring wishlists?  I broke my No New Clothing resolution (but am being redeemed on a technicality), but it is *so* worth it -- I'll show you next time!

A Month of Sundays, #3

In Wisconsin, you often have to choose outfits that are strategically warm.

For example, I was initially going to wear heels with this outfit.  But with temperatures dipping into the teens, and my decision to wear a shorter-sleeved sweater, I knew I'd be shivering throughout church.  I love being warm.  The only bad part about the hot, muggy heat of summer is that I can't drink hot coffee or eat soup.  (Well that, and it's hard to sleep when it's so hot.)  Maybe my blood doesn't circulate as well as other people's, I don't know, but I find myself needing to wear layers, even when I'm in a heated place.  I knew that tights, wool socks and these boots would keep me toasty warm.

Thank goodness I changed my mind, because Jordan and I accidentally got locked out of our house when we were done taking these photos.  We only had to wait 10 minutes for my mother in law to drop off a spare key, and we were in direct sunlight (as evidenced by these pictures), so we were actually quite warm.

Dress:  thrifted

Sweater:  Goodwill

Tights & boots:  hand-me-downs

Earrings:  a gift

What about you?

Are you a warm or cold blooded person?

Linking up with The Pleated Poppy

A Month of Sundays, #2

Well, bah phooey.  I was all ready to take my pictures outside on Sunday and it decided to pour.  Snow, I could have trudged on, but rain?  Rain in February?  Seriously.

I was sick of taking my photos in front of the bookcase, so I went in front of the window, even though I knew it would be shadowy.  My tights are a royal blue color and my skirt is a grey houndstooth, which is hard to see here.

But I love this outfit.  It makes me feel like a dancer, maybe a ballerina outside of the studio, especially if my hair is pulled back.  The way the shirt fits reminds me of a leotard and the skirt is just begging for a dance.  Look at the way it twirls!

Shirt:  Old Navy

Skirt:  hand-me-down

Tights:  Target

Boots:  Merrell, from REI

Do you have any outfits that make you feel like someone different?

Linking up with The Pleated Poppy

A Month of Sundays, #1

I'm not one of those skirt-and-blouse type teachers.  Maybe if I taught high school, but as an elementary special education teacher, it's just not worth the risk.  Besides, I'd feel as thought I couldn't get down on the ground and play with my students, or create art projects.

Since my work wardrobe is fairly functional, I break out my skirts and heels whenever I can on the weekends.

Wearing stripes is also not common for me.  I find that you're either a stripes or a polka-dot girl, and you typically don't stray into foreign territory.  Stripes usually seem blocky or sailor-y to me; polka dots mean fun!

Since this shirt was a hand-me-down, I felt braver about venturing into stripes territory, since I wouldn't feel like I "wasted money" if it didn't work out.  Though I have purchased two other striped shirts recently, so we'll see if I can mosey into new territory.

Shirt & shoes:  hand-me-downs

Pants:  Goodwill

Hat & bracelet:  gifts

Yeah, I probably spent a total of five dollars on this outfit.
I have very generous sisters.
Speaking of sisters, my sister took these photos for me.
Thanks, Lyn!

Are you a stripes or a polka-dot girl?

Linking up with The Pleated Poppy

Survival Mode

Finals week: that not-so-wonderful time of year when I obsessively ignore everything except studying.  I have actually told my husband "I have to banish you now" at least twice in the past few days.  Facing down seven(!) exams in four days, it's full-on Survival Mode.

Occasion: treading water

Day when I have to go to campus and pass for a human being have been variations on this formula, but home days have seen me never bothering to abandon the PJs.  However, a necessary run to the post office -- because not only is it finals week, but it's the holiday season, too -- meant reverting to no-brainer basics.  I may not be the most fashionable person in Berkeley, but at least people aren't crossing the street to avoid me, like the other crazies. 

Turtleneck sweater: thrifted | Jeans: hand-me-downs, originally from Gap | Shoes: Marshalls | Necklace: a gift

Bonus: not only did my necklace highlight the layered colors, but it kind of looks like Christmas lights.  So, that's a plus. 

So, how do you get through rough weeks -- psych yourself up and go in swinging?  Stick to a tried-and-true routine?  Desperately tread water?

stand out.

hey guys. today i felt like standing out.

sweater: rue 21

dress: hand-me-down

tights: target

i paired this bright yellow dress with a sweater to keep warm. my lacey tights matched my lacey sweater in a way i didn't realize until after leaving for school. oh well. i also wore purple sneaker-type shoes. 

this out fit was colorful enough for my love of color but not obnoxious. i like clothes that can help me make a statement without looking silly or totally weird. matching contrasting colors is one way i do this as well as certain patterns that can still go with each other. 

i'm going to adopt charlotte's method and ask a question at the end of my post:

which outfits that you have help you stand out?

what's your favorite way to be original?

how to work stripes part 2

more stripes and skirts!
i guess that's my thing?
i don't really know.
well anyways, here's my outfit.

tank top: target

sweater: H&M

skirt: target

i love the little bow deatil on the pockets of this sweater. i don't wear it frequently cause i like big and comfy sweaters more but this outfit needed it. i would have been too cold just wearing that tank top or even just a shirt with my skirt.

this skirt is my new favorite piece of clothing. it's super comfy but still girly and also easy to wear. love it!

matched with the hat below, i would say this outfit will be worn again.

hat: hand-me-down, originally from Forever 21

Color-riffic

Since katie and lyn have both posted about working colors into their outfits, I thought I should chime in.

FACT:  I have only recently been opened up to mixing colors.

Excluding my 90's-era elementary-aged "fashion" (I rocked the oversized sweatshirt like there was no tomorrow), I've stayed within normal color parameters.  I knew what matched and what didn't, and stayed far away from the didn't.  Black and brown, mixing bright colors, even introducing a new color into an outfit:  no. no. no.

Honestly, it was Fall Fashion Week that really helped me explore new fashion choices.  The women who participated were so encouraging, supportive and creative that I felt inspired to make new fashion choices, one of them being colors.

Shirt:  hand-me-down

Skirt:  Forever 21

Leggings:  Kohls

Socks:  Smartwool

Boots:  Merrell, from REI

Hat:  Gift, from Forever 21

As this outfit shows, I'm still fairly moderate with my color mixing.  But only a year or two ago, I would have never thought purple and green would be in my outfit, at the same time!

Have your fashion choices changed in the past few years?