Grey Sweater Club

This picture didn't happen, in real life.  However, I wish it did (or that it existed on the computer before I had to order Christmas cards)!

On the Mister:

Sweater: Gap, a gift | Jeans: thrifted | Ergo baby carrier: a gift | Ada: so very confused

On Ada:

Reflective collar with engraved buckle: Mimi Green 

On me: 

Glasses (they're purple!): Goggles4U | Dress: Lands End | Watch: Fossil

One of the many, many reasons that I love sweater dresses is that they are so incredibly stretchy.  This exact dress made it into last year's Fall Fashion Week.  It was cute and cozy and cowl-y and curve-fitting then, and it is all of those same things now...and there are certainly more curves to fit!  This is definitely one of those relatively rare times where major body changes lead to fun new stylings within the same wardrobe.

Have you ever had a time where a body changes led to you loving a garment even more than with its original fit?  

Sprummer Day 2 - Commencing

My original medical school class graduated recently(!) -- of course I went, wouldn't have missed it for anything.  This is what I wore:

Cardigan: Target | Tunic: Kohl's | Jeans: thrifted | Shoes: Crocs  

The school colors are dark blue & white, but matching them was serendipitous rather than intentional -- I just tend to wear a lot of navy.

I really like the shirttail hem on this tunic -- I like the length in the front and back, with the higher sides allowing a flattering continuation of the visual leg line.  I am also nearly a month into the bangs and still liking them -- takes a touch more work in the morning to brush them out (compared to my normal "I do nothing to it" hair routine), but for relatively minimal effort I get a much more polished look.  I'm looking forward to the rest of my hair growing out a bit so I can do the braid-&-bangs combo I'm aiming for.

It was awesome to go to my [old] class's graduation.  I sat with some other classmates who had added an extra year -- for medical reasons, research, public health study, what-have-you -- and we ended up being right on the aisle that all the medical-students-commencing-to-be-doctors processed down during the entry.  Half the class stopped and hugged us, causing major traffic jams =) and it was SO COOL to remember being strangers four years ago and now see them on the verge of being doctors.  It wasn't bittersweet, either, because I still feel like I need at least a year of school yet; it was exciting to look forward to our ceremony next year, but purely, 100% happiness and celebration for the 2014s.

Any big celebrations your way recently?  If nothing else, you should go join the party for the Sprummer Fashion Week!

Hello Again!

After nearly four months in scrubs, I'm back!  Back to wearing cute work clothes and not being paranoid about contaminating the sterile field.  Back to caring what my hair and face look like because they're not covered by a mask and hairnet every day.  Back from surgery, and never to return!

(Just kidding, I have one month of surgery next spring.  I get to choose who I'm working with, though, which helps.  I am SO OVER surgeons!)

There some changes on the horizon.  We've got the Sprummer Fashion Week coming up, in which I'll debut a new haircut and quite possibly the cutest accessory of the season.  For now, though, I want to enjoy a rare Really Good Hair Day in its pre-trim form, immortalized forever on the internet.

The clothes are all thrifted.  The necklaces were both gifts.  The red glass pendant came with matching earrings, and was a wedding gift.  Is that weird?  It seems a little odd to have gotten a wedding present so obviously intended for only one party.  Though, the mister likes the necklace, and how it 'fits,' so I guess everyone's happy with the situation?

 Come back and play next week for Fashion Week!  You know those are always a blast.  =)

More of the Same

I'm afraid I've left Phenotype: fabulous wither because I haven't had much to share -- I'm straight off a month and a half of obstetrics, and facing two months of surgery, which means more than a quarter of a year straight wearing scrubs day in and day out.  On the one hand, it's a relief (like I hear wearing uniforms in high school is): I *never* have to think about what I'm wearing, because it's exactly the same every day.  On the other, it's pretty boring.  I have a closet full of things that I like, and no chance to wear them!  However, that does make it easier to keep my 2014 resolution not to acquire new clothes, since wearing what I want to is enough of a novelty that I don't pine over new additions to my wardrobe.

All of that means that when I do get to dress for myself, you can be darn sure I'm looking cute.

Tee: Threadless | Sweater: thrifted | Jeans: thrifted | Earrings: I made 'em 

And for a better look at that tee (riffing on Ben Franklin's famous cartoon)

The last time I got myself some fun graphic tees was my sophomore year of undergrad in 2007, when I first discovered Threadless.  I've added some new ones in the past year, and they make me quite happy.  I actually got two of this one, so that I could cannibalize one to make a birthday gift for one of my junior high buddies (AKA the piefairy's apprentice) last summer.

You've got to love an apron that comes with a recipe for apple pie right on it!  (I confess, I toyed with the idea of placing it upside-down, so that it could be read by the wearer, but the intended recipient had memorized my basic fruit pie recipe already, so I deemed it unnecessary).

How is everyone out there?  Same-old-same-old, like me, or are the winds of change a-blowing?

Keeping Memories Alive

I've blogged this before, but not here. 

Yup, that shirt used to be a maxi dress.  I love the cutouts and embroidery, the bright colors, and the sentimental place it holds in my heart (got it for our honeymoon in the Apostle Islands, which are absolutely not tropical at all despite what you might think from their name, or the dress).  However, I've worn it three or four times in the two months since trimming it down -- and still have the bottom, waiting for a chance to make a waistband and finish it out as a skirt -- and I do not at all regret chopping it in two.

Tunic: Modcloth, modified by me | Sweater: Ross? | Jeans: REI | Sandals: Kohl's

(Shockingly, nothing in this post was thrifted!  You have no idea how rare that is for me...)

The pants are a fairly recent acquisition, and I really like them.  They're lightweight & trouser-y in shape, with reinforced articulated knees and buttonholes to roll them into capris.  I also suspect that there's some kind of optical brightener/reflector woven into the cotton -- not that they are blinding or anything, but that wearing them out in direct noontime sunlight, I still stay cool.  Which just about makes these perfect, in my book.

 

Colorful beaded cork sandals make me feel very Berkeley, but in a more refined, less overtly-hippie sort of way.  Just like my cutoff flower-child maxi dress.

Any changes made to sentimental or long-loved items to keep them around and increase their use?  Do tell!

Spring Fashion Week - Monday

Another day of Spring Fashion Week!  First, can I just say that I'm really, really happy with the picture below?  The warm woods, the art on the walls layered for depth (even in the reflection!), the cool lighting that makes it look like old film from the 70s...I like it.  I feel like it also makes our place (what little bit of it that you can see) look a lot more white, and sparse.  It's totally not, I love bold color and graphic art and we've got kind of a lot of it.  Just...not so much in this corner of the bedroom.  

Top: Maurice's | Jeans: Kohls | Shoes: thrifted jelly flats

This top is actually a dress, and a favorite one at that.  I've had it for six years, and wore it for several bridal showers (including my own!), brought it with me to live in Peru, and generally bring it out whenever I want the mister to get all smiley and say "ooh, I like that dress!"  Unfortunately, its flimsy cotton is really going downhill, and my bustline, having expanded quite a bit since I was 19, is threatening the integrity of the buttonholes in front.  I fear my much-loved blue gingham dress is not much longer for this world...sigh.

My camera was doing something weird with super-long delays between the timed shots, so I ended up dancing around for quite a while before they all took and got some amusing shots in the process.  And no, despite how much it may appear in some of those, that is not a baby belly.  Just sayin'. 

Want to see some more?  Go take a gander at Spring Fashion Week.  And thank you, Deanna, for hosting us once again!

Ladies' Night

Last week was hard, there's just no other way to say it.  I could tell by Tuesday that it was going to be a doozy, so I convinced a friend to head up to wine country with me after class on Friday for some drinks, nibbles, and non-school-related girl time.

Occasion: Friday night happy hour

This outfit debuted for New Year's Eve (fondue and card games with friends), and I liked it so much this seemed like the perfect occasion to bring it out again -- nothing stuffy or uncomfortable for the day full of studying, but still polished and fun enough not to feel out of place at a trendy wine bar. 

 

Top: Banana Republic, thrifted | Sweater: thrifted | Jeans: thrifted | Boots: b.o.c. by Born | Earrings: gift from the mister | Watch: Citizen Ecodrive

All in all, it was exactly what the [student] doctor ordered -- intentional time to nurture a new-but-meaningful friendship, small indulgences, and so many reminders that we're not going through medical school alone.

What do you find yourself doing to unwind after a week you can't wait to put behind you?

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

Inspiration Gone Awry

I have long admired the look of a blousey top tucked into trouser jeans.  If that description leaves you raising an eyebrow in disbelief, allow me to illustrate:

Sources: Feathers & Freckles | Kendi Everyday | What Would a Nerd Wear

See?  Such a nice change from the skinny jeans that seem to be all we see, right?  Seems like it would be an easy look to emulate and make work for oneself, doesn't it?  So please, help me tease out the differences between those above, and this one here:

Trouser jeans: thrifted | Blouse: thrifted | Sweater: Kimchi Blue, thrifted (seen here) | Shoes: b.o.c., thrifted (seen here) | Earrings: Target | Belt: Target | Watch: plundered from the mister

I only caught a glimpse in the mirror before snapping that shot and setting off on my day.  Everything wore comfortably, but compared to my inspiration photos, it just feels frumpy.  I have a few suspicions about how to get closer to what I was aiming for: a sweater that hangs more openly and reaches the top of the inseam, thereby skimming the hips; and pants that are flared rather than true wide-legged trousers, as these are.  I absolutely love the way my professional-wear, dress-pant trousers fit -- such a nice, fluid drape -- but these denim ones are much more stiff.

How do you translate fashion inspiration into sartorial success?  What kinds of tweaking do you find yourself doing to make something look or feel just the way you'd hoped?

Getting there

Shirt:  Kohls

Sweater:  Forever 21

Pants:  Goodwill

Shoes:  K-mart

Scarf:  a gift

I generally don't make New Year's resolutions.  For all the effort I could put in, it just feels like I'm spinning my wheels, making half-hearted attempts at insignificant changes.

That being sad, one of my goals from last year was to put more effort into my appearance.  I asked for beauty tips on my blog, and my reader came through generously.  I've bought some mascara and lip products, and truth be told, I've had fun playing with them.  

I'm wearing make-up in the above picture - you can hardly tell, which is perfect for me.  

I haven't figured out why it's important for me to take this step.  Why is make-up something that signifies being an adult?  I've gone this long without it, so why start now?  Partially, I get annoyed when people mistake me for being a teenager, but that's hardly a major influence.  Applying make-up also feels like something I should know, a piece of knowledge I should have gained a long time ago, but that's not entirely it either.

Ah well.  I'm making a mountain out of nothing more than tinted chapstick.  If it's something that makes me feel more confident, I should just go ahead and do it!

Festive Fashions, Take 1

The semester is over and done, and the holidays are upon us.  Time to dress festively!  There have been three occasions in the past week that were particularly fun to plan for: a church Christmas party, a theater outing, and a swingin' night on the town.

Occasion: homegroup's annual White Elephant Christmas party

 

Tunic: thrifted | Jeans: Kohl's | Flats: Target

The sequins smattered on the neckline and cuffs of this shirt are so sparkly, I glitter like a disco ball (and I love it!).  Also, I'm convinced that the color of these mustard-y flats goes with everything.  This was our second year at this 15+-year party, and quite a hoot -- the mister secured for himself "the Khan," a coveted recurring gift, and my contribution of a super dooper reindeer pooper (plus jelly bellies, natch) was fought over, finally ending up in the hands of a precocious preschooler. 

Occasion: Broadway in San Francisco

 

Dress: option C, thrifted | Jeans: Kohl's | Booties: b.o.c., thrifted | Belt: (my favorite!) thrifted | Scarf: thrifted

As an end-of-the-term treat, we got tickets to see The Lion King.  I ended up taking a six-hour exam (ugh -- but, now I'm done with my Master's!) earlier in the day, so being dressed up was a pleasant boost.  The show was amazing, and dinner beforehand particularly notable for a sighting of my little sister's favorite minor internet celebrity at the next table over.

 Occasion: dancing the night away

Lace top: Ross | Bustier: Frederick's | Skirt: thrifted | Belt: thrifted | Stockings: Modcloth | Dancing Shoes: Nature Breeze via db shoes, self-glittered

Thanks for your input for my dance party indecision!  I went with option A, but changed things up a bit: a bustier rather than a tank gave coverage while getting the bombshell feeling that the elf-y version hadn't; taking in the skirt a couple inches let it sit at my waist, rather than below it; new fancy dancing flats (that sparkle!) just make me happy; and those tights...oh, those tights.  Ladies, these stockings are major win -- really good quality, sassy and unique.  I was asked if the ribbons were tattoos, they're so convincing in person.  (And while I couldn't/wouldn't ink so much skin, I have to admit that these would be some pretty rocking tattoos.)  The band was excellent, the venue was perfect, I felt incredible in that twirly, shimmery skirt, and had a wonderful evening [swing]dancing with my handsome husband.  Swanky party = success!

I hope your world is full of so many reasons to celebrate -- may your days be merry and bright!  (And all of you who are actually getting a white Christmas, my heart is with you.  I miss it so much...)

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?

healthy addictions.

winter is coming. dun dun duuuuun.
i personally like winter, though, for these two reasons: i get to wear scarves and sweaters.
like this:

sweater: H&M

scarf: Studio 890 Hair Salon

tank top: Target

jeans: Delia's

this sweater is super soft and remind me of ron weasley from harry potter. he wears maroon quite frequently. this scarf is also super soft and i basically wear it every day.
comfiness (and yes, that is a word) is my main priority with clothing. why would you want to wear something that doesn't make you feel good?
i also have to admit, i have a problem.
i have a shoe obession. and guys, it's bad.
but how can i pass up the opportunity to buy these cute shoes?

shoes: Wet Seal

i mean, come on. polka dots with wicked green laces? i have no regrets.
hope you have had a happy halloween and stay warm!

Welcome!

Welcome!  You have found Phenotype: fabulous, an experiment in nature vs. nuture, self-expression, and sartorial sisterhood.  We are students, teachers, dancers, healers.  We are challenging ourselves and others to love and care for the bodies we've got, and to look and feel great doing so.

 

Occasion:  a full day of lectures, and volunteering at a free clinic in the evening

I like schooldays that consist only of lectures without labs, because they are free of the dress code requirements imposed by the various lab activities.  Unlike undergrad, where I not infrequently donned the college uniform of sweatpants or other glorified pajamas (to my credit, I usually did wear real clothes on days when I had class later than 9am), in medical school I feel like dressing with intentionality helps get me in the right mindset to learn.  This is a professional degree program; hence, I am a Professional Student (truer words never spoken...).  Might as well look the part.

 

These jeans make me happy -- I really like the way they fit, the way they feel.  They're fairly high-waisted (nearly up to my umbilicus belly-button) and a narrow bootcut.  The cherry on top?  I found them in perfect condition at a thrift shop.  In fact, everything (except underpinnings) in this outfit was second-hand, and the [oh-so-wonderful!] socks were a gift.

Orange sweater: thrifted | Grey sweater: Kimchi Blue, thrifted | Belt: thrifted | Jeans: BandolinoBlu, thrifted | Shoes: b.o.c., thrifted | Socks: REI merino hikers

It's been my pleasure to introduce Phenotype: fabulous to the world.  Our other lovely contributors will debut throughout the week.  However, I do want to take this opportunity to give a shoutout to one: my little sister, who is turning 18 today.

Happy birthday, 'doodles!  Hard to believe that 18 years ago you came into this world, and subsequently I almost missed the school bus for the very first time.  You're a goof, you're a doll, and I'm so proud of the young woman you are becoming.

Cheers,
katie